I'll 

Div. 
No. 



'01 

)iv 
Jo. 



THE LIFE 

OF THE 

REV. JOHN HOUGH, D.D. 

BISHOP OP OXFOHD, &c. 



Tainted iy Sir Godfrey JsincUcr J6S0 Emfrarcd iy Caroline Witsorv.JZiy rover to her Majesty 

THE ItEyrB^JOOT HOIJCH, . . 1 

AeSIMENT of ST JMLtiMF JWJL GJDJLEMJf COLLEGE , OXFOBJD) 1687, 
Bifebp of Oxford 1690, of litcMLeM tmA. Coventry 1699, 

,A7vi) jbismof of Worcester 17/7. 

0"b.8*Mavl74S.^£t! iraee 95. 



THE LIFE 



OF 



THE REV. JOHN HOUGH, D.D. 



SUCCESSIVELY 

BISHOP OF OXFORD, 
LICHFIELD AND COVENTRY, AND WORCESTER 

FORMERLY 

PRESIDENT OF ST. MARY MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD, 
IN THE REIGN OF KING JAMES II. 

CONTAINING 

MANY OF HIS LETTERS, AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF SEVERAL PERSONS WITH 

WHOM HE WAS CONNECTED. 



BY 



JOHN WILMOT, ESQ. F.R.S. AND S.A. 



" Ille decus mitrae, libertatisque satelles, 
Dum tanti terapus propugnatoris egebat, 
Houghius; hie numeros prope centenarius omnes 
Cum vita? explferat, florenti plenus honore, 
Sensibus integris, sine morbo, expersque doloris, 
Vivendi satur, sic vita exibat, ut actor 
E-scena egriegius, toto plaudente theatro." 

I. H. BROWNE, De Animi Immortalitate. 



ILontJcn? - 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 

BY JAMES GILLET, CROWN-COURT, F I SET-STREET ; 

AND SOLD BY WHITE AND COCHRANE, FLEET-STREET; LONGMAN, HURST, 
REES, ORME, AND BROWN, P ATERNOSTER-ROAV ; AND 
CADELL AND DAVIES, STRAND. 

1812. 



TO THE 

REV. MARTIN JOSEPH ROUTH, D* B® 

PRESIDENT, 

AND TO 

THE FELLOWS 

. OF 

• ST. MARY MAGDALEN COLLEGE, 

OXFORD, 



THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

BY THEIR OBLIGED SERVANT, 



I 



PREFACE. 



THE private, unambitious Life which Bishop Hough 
preferred, and which he enjoyed for many years, was 
little calculated to afford materials for Biography, or to 
furnish that fund of incident and anecdote, which the lives 
of most public men supply : besides, the length of time 
which has elapsed since his death, now nearly seventy 
years, has greatly increased the difficulty of acquiring 
particulars of his public, as well as his private life, and 
might alone have furnished a sufficient apology for the 
scanty materials, which the Editor of this work has been 
able to collect. 

But, in addition to the difficulties occasioned by this 
distance of time, we have likewise to combat the great 



viii PREFACE. 

modesty of Doctor Hough, and his peculiar unwillingness 

to have any thing which proceeded from his pen made 

public. We are informed, by a late Antiquarian, * who 
had an opportunity of reading several of his Sermons 

(which he calls " very excellent, " ) that such was the 

good Bishop's antipathy to the publication of these, or 

of any other of his writings, even after his decease, that 

he gave a strict charge to the contrary. 

Accident alone occasioned so many of his Letters to 
be preserved; and it is much to be regretted that this 
was not the case with more of them : especially as there is 
reason to think, that he was in the habit of intimacy 
and correspondence with several of the great men, who 
lived in the busy reigns of King William, Queen Anne, 
and George the First, 



* The Rev. Stebbing Shaw 5 in his History of Staffordshire, Vol. I. p. 
978* 



PREFACE. IX 

It was the peculiar situation in which the Bishop was 
placed in Magdalen College, Oxford, in the reign of James 
the Second, that first brought him before the public, and 
gave rise to the conspicuous part which he acted at that 
period, and which was the immediate cause of his elevation 
to the Episcopal Bench in the succeeding reign. 

To the honour of this country, there is no reason to 
doubt, that many of his contemporaries in the church, 
and many of the clergy at other periods, would have acted 
the same part on a similar occasion ; but none could 
have shewn more firmness and moderation — qualities equally 
necessary to be united in the exercise of any great public 
duty. 

Although party ran very high in the reigns of King 
William and Queen Anne, Bishop Hough seems to have 
contented himself with the proofs which he had before 
given of his patriotism, and firm attachment to the civil 
and religious liberties of his country. 



X PREFACE. 

Mr. Addison was elected a Member of Magdalen College 
in July, * 1089, on account, ehiefly, of the talents which 
he had displayed at his former College of Queen's : + an 
election no less honourable to the College, of which Dr. 
Hough was then the undisturbed President, than to the 
Individual elected ; and there is reason to think, that the 
President had the honour, in conjunction with the great 
Lord Somers, of promoting the wishes of his illustrious 
fellow Collegian to travel into Italy and other countries. 

The Editor was in great hopes he should have recovered 
some of the Bishop's correspondence with Mr. Addison 
and others, which he had heard was at Worcester ; 
and he went to that city with a view of procuring an 
inspection of such Letters as might have been preserved; 



* H. Boulter, afterwards Primate of Ireland, and R. Smalbroke, afterwards 
Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, were elected Demies at the same time. 

j* " He had been at Queen's College about two years, when the accidental 
sight of a copy of verses in the hands of Dr. Lancaster, Dean of that House, 
occasioned his being elected a member of Magdalen College." — TickelVs Life of 
Addison. 



PREFACE. XI 

but was obliged to content himself with the few remains 

of this good Prelate in the Bishop's Palace there, and 

in the Castle at Hartlebury: amongst which were an original 

portrait at the Palace, and a drawing of him by Richardson, 

at the Castle ; but there still remain many marks of his 

liberality at both places. Although the Editor did not, at 

this time, succeed in the main object of his journey, yet 

he was fortunate enough to obtain the inspection of a few of 

the Bishop's Letters in the possession of the Rev. George 
Waldron, of Elmley-Lovett, written to his relation, Mr. 

Townshend, who formerly lived at that place, and of which 

Mr. Waldron obligingly furnished him with copies. 

The Editor was likewise received with great civility 
by the present Bishop of Worcester, the Rev. Dr. Cornwall, 
who himself shewed him the castle at Hartlebury, with the 
noble Library, built by his immediate Predecessor, Dr. Hurd i 
and the valuable collection of Books, consisting, for the 



Xll PREFACE. 

greater part, of Bishop Warburton's Library, which the 
liberality of Bishop Hurd left to his successors. 



He received much satisfaction from a visit to the late Dr. 
Nash, the venerable Author of the History of Worcestershire, 
then in his eighty-first year. The Doctor in his youth had 
remembered the Bishop; but, from his great age and infirmities, 
was not able to find the papers which the Editor had reason 
to hope were in Dr. Nash's hands : he has, however, very 
lately been favoured with copies of some of them, by the 
kindness of Lord and Lady Somers, a few of which will be 
found in the latter part of the Work. 

He is likewise much indebted to the truly respectable 
Lady Biddulph, of Southampton, for much information 
concerning the Bishop's connections. Her Ladyship, who 
retains the remembrance of him, is in possession of his 
Portrait, and has preserved some Letters received from him 
in her youth. 



PREFACE. Xiii 

He is also obliged to the Reverend Dr. Burnaby, 
Archdeacon of Leicester, and Vicar of Greenwich, for an 
original and characteristic Letter of the Bishop to the Rev. 
Mr. Lewis, written with all the piety and benevolence of a 
primitive christian ; and which is inserted in the body of the 
Work. 

He became acquainted at Worcester with some part of 
the family of the three Mr. Harrisons, all of whom lived 
with the Bishop till his death.* They possess an original 
portrait and other memorials of the Bishop ; and furnished 
the Editor with some anecdotes of his later years. 

He is indebted to the friendship of the late Earl of 
Dartmouth for many letters of the Bishop, written to his 
Lordship's female ancestor, Lady Kaye, which make a 
considerable addition to the Work : and he would be 
ungrateful if he were to omit his obligations to his Grace 



* The representative of this family is R. Hopkins Harrison, Esq., a 
Conveyancer of the Inner Temple, London. 



xiv PREFACE. 

the Archbishop of Canterbury, for his great urbanity 
and condescension in permitting an Engraving to be made 
of the portrait of the Bishop by Sir Godfrey Kneller, in the 
palace at Lambeth. This has been executed by that excellent 
Artist Caroline Watson, with equal care and elegance. 

The Editor must likewise express his obligations to the 
President and Fellows of the noble foundation of Magdalen 
College for the liberality with which they gave him access 
to the Muniments of their House. There is no danger, in 
these times, of any similar attack on their Society ; but the 
Editor has no doubt, that if a similar occasion should arise, 
they would act with the same virtue and fortitude, which 
have rendered the memory of Bishop Hough immortal. 

r 

The materials and information thus obtained, have made 
a considerable addition to the Bishop's Letters and other 
Papers, which were in the Editor's own possession ; and 
he natters himself that, altogether, they form a faithful 



PREFACE XV 

description of this genuine Patriot, and firm Champion 
of the Liberty and Religion of his Country. 



It now only remains for him to observe, that he undertook 
this work some years ago, when he enjoyed the blessing 
of health; this has lately so much declined, that he 
would not have been able to complete his design without 
the assistance of two learned and valuable friends, the 
Reverend Mark Noble, Rector of Barming in Kent ? 
and the Reverend John Hewlett, Morning Preacher 
at the Foundling Hospital. The former, whose accurate 
knowledge of the different families in this country, well 
qualified him for the task, obligingly supplied him with 
most of the materials for the Notes, which have served 
to render the Bishop's Letters more intelligible and more 
interesting ; and the latter, the Reverend Mr. Hewlett, 
whose learning and abilities are well known to the public 
by his Sermons, his able Vindication of the Parian 
Chronicle, his valuable Notes on the Sacred Volume, 
and other excellent Publications, (which would grace any 



Xvi PREFACE. 

preferment or dignity of his Profession) not only encouraged 
the Editor to proceed, but assisted him in superintending 
the Press, when the state of his own health rendered 
him very unequal to the undertaking* 

Bruce-Castle, To ttenham , 
December, 1811 



ERRATA. 



Page. 


Line. 




51 


ii| 1 - " 


after this, read, being represented, 


81 


- 10 


for KILDORE, r. KILDARE. 


175 


4 


for 1737, r. 1727. 


Do. 


Note 3 


strike out were successive Baronets, Sfc, and r. both died SP. 


224 


Note 3 


for great Uncle, v. Cousin. 


228 


- 11 - 


this Letter, XXXV., should have been in p. 235. 


230 


- 17 - 


the note of reference f, should have been at " one," two lines higher. 


244 


Note 5 


for ivas returned, r. had retired. 


298 


Note 5 


for SHOLARIS, r. SCHOLARIS. 


312 


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dele to, and insert a full stop. 


320 


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for 1737, r. 1736. 


Do. 


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for ordinary, r. ordinarily. 


337 


6 


for friend, r. friends. 



THE LIFE 

OF 

DR. JOHN HOUGH, 

ALTHOUGH Biography is much inferior to History in 
dignity and importance, yet it must be allowed to be more 
generally pleasing and instructive in private life, for this 
among other reasons, that it comes nearer home to every 
man's own bosoms we easily transfer to ourselves the situa- 
tion and circumstances of individuals, and approve or con- 
demn, as our conscience dictates. Such is the irresistible 
love of virtue and hatred of vice, that when they are not 
opposed by our interest or our passions, they uniformly meet 
with correspondent applause or censure ; and though it may 
not please Providence to place us exactly in similar circum* 
stances, yet the example of eminent men makes an impression 
upon our minds, and may be of use to us in analogous, though 
inferior, stations of life. 



2 



THE LIFE OF 



The distinguished piety and many exemplary virtues of 
that eminent prelate, Dr. Hough, Bishop of Worcester in 
the beginning of the last century, are well known, and have 
been duly appreciated by the public. It might seem super- 
fluous, therefore, to bring them again into notice, were it not 
for the accidental circumstance of the Editor being in posses- 
sion of no inconsiderable number of his Letters, written during 
the last twenty years of his life; and had it not been remarked, 
that, among other valuable acquirements, he " excelled in the 
gentlemanly, polite, and friendly style of his epistolary cor- 
respondence.' * Particular notice is taken of this in " Some 
Account of his Life," printed only a few weeks after his 
death; but as this very short Account is now out of 
print, and very scarce, it may be allowable, perhaps, to make 
some extracts from it, and to collect together the particulars 
of so exemplary a character, which at present lie dispersed 
in different publications, giving such additional information 
as the length of time since his death has enabled the Editor 
to procure. 

Dr. John Hough, formerly President of St. Mary Magdalen 
College, Oxford, and afterwards successively Bishop of Oxford, 
Lichfield and Coventry, and Worcester, and gratefully re- 
membered for the early, firm, and truly patriotic stand which 
he made against the tyranny and bigotry of James the Second 



BJSIIOP HOUGH. 



3 



which may be said to have led the way to the glorious event 
of the Revolution, was the son of Mr. John Hough, a citizen 
xyf London,* and of Margaret the daughter of John Byrche 
of Leacroft, in the county of Stafford, Esquire. His father 
was descended from a collateral branch of the family of the 
Houghs-f- of Leighton, in the county of Chester, and was 
settled at Birmingham before he came to the metropolis, in 
the beginning of the seventeenth century. His mother Mar- 
garet Byrche, was related to many respectable families in the 
counties of Stafford and Warwick*, 

Their son, John Hough, was born in Middlesex, the 12th 
of April, 1051; and after having received his education either 



* This is mentioned on the bishop's monument, and there is no doubt of the 
fact ; but the Editor has not been able to ascertain of what Company he was, nor 
in what parish of London, or Middlesex, his son was born. His father probably- 
removed to London in the beginning of the seventeenth century ; and the dis- 
turbances and civil war which took place in the reign of Charles I., and which, 
still prevailed at the time of his son's birth in 1651, together with the destruction 
caused by the great Fire of London in 1666, may have prevented these facts from 
being properly registered, or easily ascertained. 

t The following is a sketch of the early part of the pedigree of his family. 

In the reign of HENRY VIII. , 

Thomas Hough of Leighton = Catherine, Daughter of R. Grosvenor, Esq. 

r — ~^ 

John Hough of Leighton, Esq.=Christian, Daughter of Sir G. Calverly Bart. 

r~ ' ~ 

Will, Hough of Leighton, Esq. — Jane, Daughter of Thomas Lord Cromwelh 

B 2 



4 THE LIFE OF 

at Birmingham or Walsall in Staffordshire, was entered at St. 
Mary Magdalen College, Oxford, the 12th of November, 
1009, and in a few years he was elected a Fellow of that 
noble Foundation. 

He took orders in 1075, and in 1078 was appointed 
domestic chaplain to the Duke of Ormond,* at that time 
Lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and went over with him to that 
country. Fortunately, for the service which he was afterwards 
enabled to render, not only to his College, but to the nation 
at large, he was not detained in Ireland by such preferment 
as usually attends the Chaplains of a Lord-lieutenant of that 
kingdom. He returned soon after, and in 1085 was made a 
Prebendary of Worcester. He was also presented to the 
Rectory of Tempsford, in Bedfordshire, which is in the gift of 
the Crown, and now worth about £300 per annum. From 



* James, Earl of Ormond by descent, created a marquis by Charles I. in 1642, 
and a duke by Charles II. in 1660, one of the worthiest and most accomplished 
men of the age in which he lived. See his Life by Carte, and Sir Richard Cox's 
Account. Dr. Hough was always much attached to the duke, and it appears that 
they were of congenial sentiments ; for the duke had opposed the king the year 
before, viz. 16S6, in his order to admit a pensioner into the Charter-House 
without taking the oaths required. Vide Biog. Brit., vol iii. p. 70, note. It 
appears from Carte's Life, that Dr. Hough attended the duke in his last illness, 
and a very short time before his death, which took place in July 1688, at the 
age of 78. 



# 



BISHOP HOUGH. 5 

these circumstances, it should seem that he must have been a 
man of considerable merit, before he acted the conspicuous 
part he did in October 1087. 

In March of that year, the Presidentship of Magdalen 
College being vacant by the death of Dr. Henry Clarke, the 
Senior Fellow and Vice-president, Dr. Charles Aldworth gave 
notice in the Chapel the 31st of that month, conformably to 
the statutes of the College, that the election of a President 
would take place on the 13th of April; but the Fellows 
being afterwards informed, that his Majesty, King James 
the Second, had granted Letters Mandatory,* of which a 

* JAMES R. Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. 

Whereas we are well satisfied of the piety, loyalty, 
and learning of our trusty and well beloved Anthony Farmer, Master of Arts, 
of that our College of St. Mary Magdalen : we have thought fit hereby effec- 
tually to recommend him to you for the place of President of our said college, 
now void by the death of Dr. Clarke, late President thereof, willing and re- 
quiring you forthwith upon receipt hereof to elect and admit him, the said 
Anthony Farmer, into the said place of President, with all and singular the rights, 
privileges, emoluments, and advantages thereunto belonging, any statute, custom, 
or constitution to the contrary notwithstanding, wherewith we are graciously 
pleased to dispense in his behalf. And so, not doubting of your ready com- 
pliance herein, we bid you farewell. 

Given at our Court, at Whitehall, the 5th day of April 1687, in the third 
year of our reign. By his Majesty's command, 

SUNDERLAND. P. 
Vide State Trials, folio edition, vol. viii., p. 710. 



6 THE LIFE OF 

copy is subjoined, requiring them to elect Mr. Anthony 
Farmer, who had not been Fellow either of this, or New 
College, as indispensably required by the statutes, who had 
also given strong proofs of indifference to all religions, and 
whom they thought unfit in other respects to be their Presi- 
dent, thus presented an humble Petition to the King, repre- 
senting, " that by the statutes of their Founder, he was not 
admissible to that office, &c. beseeching his Majesty either 
to leave them to the discharge of their duty and conscience, 
according to his late most gracious Toleration, and to their 
Founder's statutes, or to recommend such a person as might 
be more serviceable to his Majesty and to the College." 

These Letters Mandatory were not delivered to the Vice- 
president and Fellows till the 11th of April ;* and having re- 
ceived no answer to their Petition, they met onthel3th of April, 
adjourned to the 14th, and afterwards to the 15th, being the 
last day limited by the statutes for the election of a President ; 
and having still received no answer, (except a verbal one by 
the Rev. Dr. Thomas Smith, one of the Fellows, from Lord 
Sunderland, President of the Council, which was, " that his 
Majesty expected to be obeyed,") they proceeded to the 



* The letters were delivered by Mr. Robert Charnock, a Roman catholic, 
who was afterwards tried and executed, for being concerned in the plot to 
assassinate King William in 1695. State Trials, vol. iv. p. 1. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



7 



election, having all except two, Mr. Thompson and Mr. 
Charnock, received the sacrament and taken the oath* pre- 
scribed by the statutes. 

The statutes required, that on the vacancy of the office of 
President, all the Fellows should proceed to the nomination 
of two persons ; and that then the Vice-president, having con- 
vened the thirteen Senior Fellows in the Chapel, one of the 
two named, (each of them having taken the oath prescribed,) 
should, by the majority, be elected President of the College. 

These forms having been complied with, the election fell 
upon the Rev. Mr. Hough, who is stated in the registerf- of 
their transactions to be, " a gentleman of liberality and firm- 



* The oath expresses, that out of the two to be nominated by them, they will 
with all speed elect one to exercise the office of President, whom in their con- 
sciences they think most proper and sufficient, most discreet, useful, and best 
qualified for it, without any regard to love, hatred, favour, fear, &c. 

f A majori parte electus est venerabilis vir Johannes Hough, S. T. B. et dicti 
Collegii socius ; simulque in praesentia omnium sociorum, summoque omnium 
plausu, dictus J. H. Praesidens Collegii B. Mar. Magdalenae in Univ. Oxon. a 
seniori scrutatore pronunciatur, vir generosi et praesentis animi, quique morum 
simplicitate et candore, mitissimo ingenio, et virtutum maxime laudabilium 
felici temperie, spem omnibus fecerat ilium Collegio suo, et toti Academiae orna- 
mento fore singulari. 



8 THE LIFE OF 

ness, who by the simplicity and purity of his moral character, 
by the mildness of his disposition, and the happy tempera- 
ment of his virtues, and many good qualities, had given every 
one reason to expect, that he would be a distinguished orna- 
ment to the College and to the whole University. 

He was presented the next day, April the 10th, by one of 
the Senior Fellows to their Visitor, Dr. Peter Mews, Bishop 
of Winchester, at Farnham Castle in Surrey, with a certifi- 
cate of the forms of the election having been complied with 
according to the statutes, and was the same day sworn in 
President of the College. He returned the next day, the 
17th, and was solemnly installed in the Chapel, and took the 
proper oath directed on that occasion* 

It appears that Lord Sunderland wrote to the Visitor on 
the 17th, by the King's command, not to admit Mr. Hough ; 
but he was obliged to send for answer, that he had already 
done it the day before, as he was directed by the statute of 
the Founder. 

The King had, in some instances, recommended persons to 
be elected President ; and the present Letters Mandatory 
contained a Dispensation " of any statute, custom, or con- 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



9 



struct ion to the contrary but then the recommendations 
were, in every instance, of persons not disqualified for the 
office ; and as to the Dispensation, the oath expressly pro- 
vides, " that they shall not procure, or endeavour to be pro- 
cured, any Dispensation contrary to their oath, or the statutes 
to which they relate, publicly or privately, directly or indi- 
rectly ; and if any Dispensation shall be procured, or freely 
granted or obtained, of what authority soever, that they will 
not make use of, or in any sort consent to it," 

Many applications were made to the King during this and 
the following month in their behalf, both by themselves, the 
Bishop of Winchester, their Visitor, and by the Duke of Or- 
mond, Chancellor of the university ; notwithstanding which, 
they were cited to appear at Whitehall, in June following, 
before his Majesty's Commissioners for Ecclesiastical Causes, 
and in contradiction to the strong evidence, contained in the 
certificates* and depositions of seven different persons, all 

* Some of them are as follow. I do hereby certify that Mr. W. Bambrigg, 
gentleman commoner of Magdalen College, did say that Mr. A. Farmer, A. M. 
did entice him from his studies in the university to go to London, where he, the 
said A. F. did attempt to draw him into several debaucheries. John Ryland. 

I do hereby certify that R. Gardiner, porter of St Mary Magdalen College, 
did tell me that Mr. Farmer did very often come into College, late at night, so 
much in liquor, that he could scarce walk or speak. George Fulham. June 9, 1657. 

C 



10 



THE LIFE OF 



proving the extreme unfitness of Mr. Anthony Farmer, from 
his irregular, indecent, and very vicious course of life, the 
election of Mr. Hough, who had now taken his Doctor's 
degree, was on the 22d June, declared void, and that he be 
amoved from his office of President ; for which purpose the 
following Decree was issued. 

By his Majesty's Commissioners for Ecclesiastical 

Affairs, &c. 

Whereas it appears to us, that Mr. John Hough, B. D.* 
hath been unduly elected President of St. Mary Magdalen 
College, in the University of Oxford ; we have thought fit, 
upon mature consideration thereof, that the said election be 
declared void, and that the said Mr. J. Hough be amoved 
from the said Presidentship ; and accordingly we do hereby 
declare and decree, that the said election is void, and do 
amove the said Mr. J. Hough from the place of President of 
the said College. 

Given under our seal, this 22d June,-f- 1087. 
His Majesty's ministers % having found the objections to 

* He took his Doctor's degree in Divinity this month, 
j- State Trials, vol. viii. p. 710. 
£ Vide Wei wood's Memoirs. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



11 



Mr. Farmer s moral character too strong to get over, the fol- 
lowing Mandate was sent to the Fellows, the 27th of August, 
to admit Dr. Samuel Parker President of the College, who 
was at that time Bishop of Oxford, and a Roman Catholic. 

JAMES REX. 
Trusty and well-belovecL We greet you well : Whereas 
the place of President of our College of St. Mary Magdalen, 
is now void ; our will and pleasure is, that we do hereby 
authorise and require you forthwith, upon receipt hereof, to 
admit the Right Reverend Father in God, Samuel Lord 
Bishop of Oxford, into the said place of President, to hold 
and enjoy the same, with all the rights, privileges and profits, 
emoluments and advantages thereunto belonging, any statute, 
custom or constitution to the contrary in any wise notwith- 
standing, wherewith we are graciously pleased, and do ac- 
cordingly hereby dispense in his behalf: and so, expecting 
your ready obedience herein, we bid you farewel. 

Given at our Court at Windsor, August 14th, 1687, in 
the third year of our reign. By his Majesty's command, 

SUNDERLAND. P. 

This was likewise declined, on the ground of the office 
being full, and being directly contrary to their statutes and 



12 THE LIFE OF 

the oath which they had taken, although the King went to 
Oxford in September in order to enforce his Mandate, at- 
tended by Lord Sunderland and others, among whom was 
the celebrated William Penn the Quaker. He sent for the 
Fellows the 4th of September to attend him in person, at 
three in the afternoon at Christ Church, of which the Bishop 
of Oxford was Dean. Dr. Pudsey and the Fellows who 
were in the College attended accordingly, and offered the 
following Petition : 

Petition offered at Oxford, 4th September, 1687.* 

To the King's most Excellent Majesty, &c. 
Humbly Sheweth, 

That upon the 27th of August we received your Ma- 
jesty's Letters Mandatory, dated August 14th, requiring us 
to admit the Right Reverend Father in God, Samuel Lord 
Bishop of Oxon, to be our President ; and dispensing with 
all statutes and constitutions to the contrary. It is an inex- 
pressible affliction to us, to find ourselves reduced to such 
an extremity, that either we must disobey your Majesty's 
royal command, contrary to our own inclinations, and that 
constant course of loyalty, which we have shewed in all in- 



* State Trials, vol. iii.p. 716. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



stances hitherto upon all occasions whatsoever; or else 
break our Founder's statutes, and deliberately perjure our- 
selves. 

For our Founder hath obliged us under oath, when we 
came in Fellows, inviolably to observe his statutes, and one 
clause therein enjoins us, never to admit or make use of a 
Dispensation granted by any authority whatsoever, whereby 
we may be absolved from the same. In this statute for the 
election of a President, he commands us upon oath to elect 
such a person to the place of President, within fifteen days 
after the vacancy, who either is, or has been, Fellow of our 
own, or New College : which we represented to your Ma- 
jesty in our humble Petition, signed April 9th, wherein we 
offered ourselves ready to elect any person capable of the 
same whom your Majesty should be pleased to recommend, 
and having waited the utmost time limited by our statutes, 
and received no answer to that effect, we did then according 
to the exigence of our statutes (having first taken the Holy 
Eucharist, and our several oaths to that purpose,) nominate 
and elect such a person as we in our consciences did believe 
to be every way qualified for the place : by which act of ours 
we have conveyed all that right to him, which our Founder 
hath intrusted us with, and it does not lie in our power to 
admit any other. Our Founder in another statute obligeth 



14 



THE LIFE OF 



us, under the pain of perjury, a dreadful anathema, and eter- 
nal damnation, not to suffer any of his statutes to be altered, 
infringed, or dispensed with ; and commands us, under the 
same sacred obligations, not to execute any order or decree 
whatsoever, contrary or repugnant to the said statutes ; by 
which said statutes and oaths, we are utterly incapacitated 
to admit the said Reverend Father in God to be our Presi- 
dent. 

May it please your sacred Majesty, to give us leave to lay 
this our case and ourselves, with all submission, at your 
royal feet, most earnestly beseeching your sacred Majesty to 
extend to us your humble Petitioners that grace and ten- 
derness which your Majesty hath vouchsafed to all your 
other subjects ; and not to believe us guilty of any obstinacy 
or undutifulness, crimes which our souls abhor, but to re- 
ceive us into your Majesty's grace and favour, the greatest 
temporal blessing which our hearts can wish, and 

Your Petitioners shall always pray, &c. 

This Petition the King repeatedly refused to accept, and 
they were threatened by him, in a very gross manner, with 
the whole weight of his displeasure, if they did not admit 
the Bishop of Oxford, which they intimated was not in their 
power. The King said among other things, " Ye have been 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



15 



a turbulent College. I have known ye to be so these 
twenty-six years. You have affronted me in this ; get you 
gone ; know I am your King, I will be obeyed ; and I com- 
mand you to be gone : go and admit the Bishop of Oxford 
Principal, what d'ye call it, of the College (one who stood 
by said President), I mean President of the College. Let 
them that refuse it look to it ; they shall feel the weight of 
their Sovereign's displeasure." This he repeated, and added, 
" Get you gone home I say again, and immediately repair 
to your Chapel, and elect the Bishop of Oxford, or else you 
must expect to feel the weight of my hand." 

The Fellows went immediately to their Chapel, and being 
asked by the Senior Fellow whether they would elect the 
Bishop of Oxford their President, they all answered in their 
turn, that it being contrary to their statutes, and to the posi- 
tive oath which they had taken, they did not apprehend it 
was in their power. 

It appears from Anthony a Wood's account of this visit,* 
that W. Penn, who attended the King to Oxford, went after- 
wards to Magdalen College ; and, although he at first hoped 
to persuade the Fellows to comply with the King's wishes, 



* Vol. ii, p. 355. See, also, Lives of Leland, and Hearne. 



10 



THE LIFE OF 



yet when he heard the statement of their case, he was satis- 
fied that they could not comply without a breach of their 
oaths. This account is confirmed by some original letters, 
now in the Bodleian library at Oxford, from Dr. Sykes and 
Mr. Creech,* to Dr. Charlett,f of the 6th, 7th, and 9th of 
September, 1687, in which, after giving exactly the same 
account of the King's reception and treatment of the Fellows, 
they both state, that Mr. Penn went afterwards to Magdalen 
College, and having had some conference with the Fellows, 
wrote a letter to the King in their behalf, observing, " that 
their case was hard ; that in their circumstances they could 
not yield obedience without a breach of their oaths ; and that 
such Mandates were a force on conscience, and not agreeable 
to the King's other gracious indulgencies."J: 

Dr. Hough being absent at this time, the following account 
of the Conference was given him by Dr. John Smith, one of 
the Fellows : 

MR. PRESIDENT, 

September 4th. 

At three this afternoon we appeared before 

* Afterwards Translator of Lucretius, and Fellow of All Souls College, 
t Afterwards Master of University College. 

t Ballard's Collection of Original Letters, vol. xx. and xxi. and the Athe- 
naeum, No. xxviii. and xxix. ; the letters in which have been collated with 
the originals in the Bodleian Library. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



17 



the King, by virtue of a Citation from my Lord Sunderland. 
His Majesty was very severe with us, told us angrily that we had 
not only been undutiful, but unmannerly, with him from the be- 
ginning, and said we had not behaved ourselves like gentlemen, 
or Church-of- England men ; that he had known us for a 
refractory sort of people these twenty-six years, bid us go 
home, and forthwith choose the Bishop of Oxford. Then 
Dr. Pudsey offered the Petition you saw ; but he would not 
meddle with it : He offered to speak, but he would not hear, 
but bid us go and choose, or else we should find what it was 
to disobey our King, W e were no sooner out of the Lodgings, 
but we were called again to ask us whether we had admitted 
Holder,* which being owned, he was more angry ; he offered 
our Petition a second time, but he threw it off with much in- 
dignation, and bid us go into the chapel and elect imme- 
diately, or else we should feel the weight of his displeasure. 
We returned and unanimously (all but Charnock) agreed in 
this, that it did not lie in our power. This is short, but not 
very sweet. What will become of us we cannot imagine. 
I am, your affectionate humble servant, 

JOHN SMITH. 

For the Rev. Dr. Hough, President of Magdalen 
College in Oxford, at Astrup Wells.. 



* This was the name of a Fellow, whom they had admitted since the election 
of their new President. 

D 



|M THE LIFE OF 

It was now rumoured that the King had issued an order 
to proceed against the College by a writ of Quo Warranto ; 
but, however this was, the Fellows appear to have listened to 
an application made to Dr. Thomas Bailey, one of the Senior 
Fellows, from William Penn, who was said to be in great 
favour at that time with the King, and had written to 
the Doctor, as he says, out of a compassionate concern for 
the interest of himself and his brethren, to persuade them 
either to a compliance with his Majesty's Letters Manda- 
tory, or to think of some expedient to prevent the ruin of their 
College and themselves; and to offer it to his Majesty's royal 
consideration, that the order for the Quo Warranto against 
the College might be recalled before it should be too late; " For 
you cannot give one instance," he observes, " where that sort 
of proceeding was judged against the Crown. Most think your 
case was hard ; but in prudence you are not to rely upon the 
goodness of it, but to do what the present state of affairs will 
permit ; and the temper of his present Majesty will never be 
baffled in any thing which he heartily espouseth, and your- 
selves have had too late and manifest an instance to doubt of 
his zeal in this affair."* 

There was no signature to this letter, but from what passed 
afterwards, there is every reason to believe that it was written 
by William Penn, to whom it was ascribed. 



* State Trials, vol. iii., p. 7 1 6. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 19 

Dr. Bailey returned a long and argumentative answer to 
this letter, on the third of October, directed to Mr. Penn, in 
which he says, " The paper inclosed is a copy of a letter, 
which by the charitable purpose of it, seems to be written by 
you, who have been already so kind as to appear in our be- 
half, and are reported by all who know you to employ much 
of your time in doing good to mankind, and using your credit 
with his Majesty to undeceive him in any wrong impres- 
sions given him of his conscientious subjects, and, where his 
justice and goodness have been thereby abused, to reconcile 
the persons injured to his Majesty's favour, and secure them 
by it from oppression and prejudice. In this confidence, I 
presume to make this application to you, desiring your excuse 
for not subscribing it: for if you did write the letter, you 
know to whom it was directed; and if you did not, I hope 
your charity will induce you to make such use of the light 
you have by it into the affairs of our College, as to mediate 
for us with his Majesty to be restored to his good opinion, 
as the only thing which is desired by us, who are zealous, 
above all earthly things, for his felicity and glory." 

" We are not conscious of ever giving his Majesty any just 
offence, as it will appear to you when you shall have perused 
the inclosed papers ; and have therefore no reason to fear, as 

d 2 



20 



THE LIFE OF 



you apprehend, the issuing of a Quo Warranto against us." 
He then goes on to state the ground of this confidence, and 
refers to his Majesty's excellent speech made in council on 
the 6th of February, 1684, at his accession, which is again 
repeated in his gracious Declaration for liberty of conscience, 
of the 4th of April last. " It is upon his sacred, inviolable, 
and royal word and promise, we must depend; not doubting 
but when his Majesty shall be rightly informed of our case, 
in reference to both his Mandatory Letters to our College, 
his anger towards us will be totally extinguished. Our com- 
pliance with the first, which was Mr. Farmer's election, would 
have involved us in the guilt of manifest perjury, and the 
wilful violation of our statutes; and we are confident his 
Majesty would never have granted the second on the behalf 
of my Lord Bishop of Oxon, if he had known we were then 
possessed of a President duly elected according to our 
statutes, and confirmed by the Bishop of Winton, our Visi- 
tor, as the statutes require ; and that he is thereby invested 
with a Lay freehold under the protection of his Majesty's 
laws, which we cannot undo, or attempt to invade, without 
subjecting ourselves to suits of law, and doing an apparent 
injury to the President, who doth not conceive himself to be 
affected with the sentence of the Lords Commissioners, (to 
which he was no party) whereby his place is declared void, 
without any citation, summons, or hearing of him." 



BISHOP HOUGH. 21 

" I believe no instance can be given , of a Quo Warranto 
brought against a College or Hall in the Universities, from 
the first foundation of them to this day, or any other Eccle- 
siastical Corporation; for the abuses of some constitutions or 
franchises in them, and the misdemeanours of particular per- 
sons will not destroy a College; and if the corporation of a 
College should be dissolved, the revenues thereof will return 
to the Founder's heirs, and not devolve to the Crown, And 
if our College must be the first example of that kind, we 
shall be better justified by the strict observance of our sta- 
tutes (at least to God and our own consciences,) than we 
could have been by a voluntary and deliberate breach of 
them." 

" It was loyalty and conscience that in the reign of King 
Charles I. made thirty-four of our forty Fellows, and most of 
the scholars of our foundation, rather to quit their places, 
and embrace misery and ruin, than to submit to the govern- 
ment of the usurpers of the Crown; and, in Monmouth's re- 
bellion, the same inducements prevailed on us to raise a Com- 
pany at our own charges, under the command of one of our 
Fellows, to engage against him : and we hope that these and 
many other the like instances, which may be given of the 
loyalty and zeal of our Society to the royal family, will be 
received as evidences thereof, and that our good and gracious 



22 THE LIFE OF 

Sovereign will not exclude us from that liberty of conscience, 
which he was pleased to extend to all his subjects."* 

Very soon after this, viz. on the 9th of October, a deputa- 
tion from the College, of which Dr. Hough was one,f had a 
conference with Mr. Penn at Windsor, where the court at 
that time was held. 

William Penn was the son of Sir William Penn, a distin- 
guished naval officer, who had fought under Cromwell, and had 
been sent out by him with General Venables, in 1050, to re- 
duce Hispaniola; but being disappointed in that attempt, they 
invaded Jamaica, and made a conquest of that important 
island. Penn had likewise been consulted on naval affairs by the 
King, when Duke of York, and had fought under him during 
the Dutch war, particularly in the signal victory that was 
gained in 1605.J This probably was the occasion of his in- 
troduction to James ; who having a grant from his brother, 
Charles the Second, of several large tracts of land in North 
America, then in possession of the Dutch, with whom Charles 
was at war, parcelled them out to under proprietors, and among 

* State Trials, vol. iii., p. 717. 

•f The other Fellows of the College who attended were Mr. Hammond, Mr. 
Hunt, Mr. Cradock, and Mr. Goring. 

J Continuation of the Life of Lord Clarendon. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 23 

the rest, to William Penn, the son of the admiral, who died in 
1 670, having in his life time advanced several considerable sums 
of money to his Sovereign. As Charles had few means of satisfy- 
ing the various demands upon him, he granted a patent in 1081 
of another tract of land lying to the west of the river Dela- 
ware, to William Penn, the son. These tracts of land together 
formed afterwards the state of Pensylvania, so called from his 
name ; and his heirs were constituted both proprietors and 
governors of this Province.* 

Mr. Penn, though bred at Christ Church College, Oxford, 
had early imbibed the principles of the society called Quakers; 
and, being at the head of his sect, a man of large property, 
considerable abilities, and much esteemed for his integrity 
and humanity, was thought to have great influence with 
James, which he frequently exerted, in favour of his friends, 
and others, who suffered from the several penal laws of that 
time, as well as in undeceiving his Majesty with respect to 
the misrepresentations and wrong impressions which he was 
apt to receive. James, on the other hand, made use of the 
influence of Penn, and the weight which he had with the 
Dissenters in general, to promote his own designs in favour of 
Popery, under the colour of a general toleration and suspen- 



* Account of the European Settlements in America, vol. ii.. p. 195. 



24 



THE LIFE OF 



sion of the penal laws against all Sectaries, as well as against 
the Roman Catholics. Indeed, from the frequent access which 
Penn had to the King, and from the success of his applica- 
tions, he was, both in this and the next reign, strongly sus- 
pected of Popery. This circumstance occasioned a corre- 
spondence between him and the pious, learned, and candid 
Dr. Tillotson, who had imbibed the same opinion, but who 
afterwards being convinced that it was unfounded, confessed 
himself perfectly satisfied of his error, and gave him a 
written testimony to that effect.* 

Penn, it is probable, was not averse to find, that the king, 
from whatever cause, was willing to dispense with those 
penal laws, which affected his friends, as well as all others 
who were not of the established Church. This disposition of 
James was followed in April 1087, by his Declaration for 
liberty of conscience, and suspension of all the penal laws ; 
on which occasion Penn presented an address to his Majesty 
from his brethren, who stated, " that twelve hundred per- 
sons were thus released from a severe imprisonment, and 
many others from the spoil and ruin of their estates and pro- 
perties." From the charge of Popery, Penn likewise exculpated 
himself, in an answer to a letter which he received in Octo- 



* Life of W. Perm, annexed to his Works, where the correspondence is given. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



25 



ber, 1088, both of which are printed in his Life ; and in his 
answer he acknowledges and accounts for his numerous visits 
to Whitehall, by observing that he frequently had business 
there for his friends, whom he had ever served with a steady 
solicitation, and for others of all persuasions, " thinking it 
a duty," he says, " to improve the little interest I had for the 
good of those who needed it, particularly the poor ; I might 
add," he continues, " something of my own affairs too, though 
I must own they have had the least share of my thoughts." As 
Mr. Penn therefore had suggested the propriety of some expe- 
dient in this business, it was not unnatural for the College 
to wish to make a trial at least of his influence ; though it ap- 
pears from the account given of the interview with him, that he 
was not at this time free from suspicion of his sincerity, and 
of his religious principles. This account is contained in a 
letter from Dr. Hough to a relation of his, a copy of which is 
preserved among the manuscripts of Bishop Gibson in the 
British Museum, and is as follows : 

October the 9th, at night. 

DEAR COUSIN, 

I gave you a short account of what passed 
at Windsor this morning: but having the convenience of 
sending this by Mr. Charlett, I fancy you will be well enough 
satisfied to hear our discourse with Mr. Penn more at large. 

E 



26 



THE LIFE OF 



He was in all about three hours in our company, and at his 
first coming in, he began with the great concern he had for 
the welfare of our College, the many efforts he had made to 
reconcile us to the King, and the great sincerity of his inten- 
tions and actions ; that he thought nothing in this world was 
worth a trick, or any thing sufficient to justify collusion or 
deceitful artifice, and this he insisted so long upon, that I 
easily perceived he expected something of a compliment, by 
way of assent, should be returned ; and therefore, though I 
had much ado to bring it out, I told him that whatever others 
might conceive of him, he might be assured we depended 
upon his sincerity, otherwise we would never have given 
ourselves the trouble to come thither to meet him. 

He then gave an historical account, in short, of his 
acquaintance with the King ; assured us it was not Popery 
but Property that first began it ; that however people were 
pleased to call him Papist, he declared to us that he was 
a dissenting Protestant ; that he dissented from papists in 
almost all those points wherein we differ from them, and 
many wherein we and they are agreed. 

After this we came to the College again. He wished with 
all his heart that he had sooner concerned himself in it, but 
he was afraid that he now came too late ; however he would 



BISHOP HOUGH. 27 

use his endeavours, and if they were unsuccessful, we must 
refer it to want of power, not of good will, to serve us. I 
told him I thought the most effectual way would be to give 
his Majesty a true state of the Case, which I had reason to 
suspect he had never yet received ; and therefore I offered 
him some papers for his instruction, whereof one was a 
copy of our first Petition before the election, another was 
our Letter to the Duke of Ormond and the state of our Case ; 
a third was that Petition which our Society had offered to 
his Majesty here at Oxford, and a fourth was that sent after 
the King to Bath. He seemed to read them very attentively, 
and after many objections, (to which he owned I gave him 
satisfactory answers,) he promised faithfully to read every 
word to the King, unless he was peremptorily commanded 
to forbear. He was very solicitous to clear Lord Sunder- 
land of suspicion, and threw the odium upon the Chancellor, 
which I think I told you in the morning, and which makes 
me think there is little good to be hoped for from him. 

He said the measures now resolved upon were such as the 
King thought would take effect; but he said he knew nothing in 
particular, nor did he give the least light, or let fall any 
thing wherein we might so much as ground a conjecture, 
nor did he so much as hint at the Letter which was sent to 
him. 

e 2 



28 



THE LIFE OF 



I thank God he did not so much as offer at any proposal 
by way of accommodation, which was the thing I most 
dreaded; only once upon the mention of the Bishop of 
Oxford's indisposition he said, smiling,* " If the Bishop of 
Oxford die, Dr. Hough may be made Bishop. What think 
you of that gentlemen ? " Mr. Cradock answered, " they 
should be heartily glad of it, for it would do very well with 
the Presidentship." But I told him seriously, " I had no 
ambition above the Post in which I was, and that having 
never been conscious to myself of any disloyalty towards 
my Prince, I could not but wonder what it was should make 
me so much more incapable of serving his Majesty in it, 
than those whom he had been pleased to recommend." He 
said, " Majesty did not love to be thwarted ; and after 
so long a dispute we could not expect to be restored to the 
King's favor without making some concessions." I told him, 
" that we were ready to make all that were consistent with 



* It cannot be supposed that so good a man as William Penn would have lent 
himself to Lord Sunderland, or even to King James, as an instrument to tempt Dr. 
Hough by such a lure, to give up the main purpose for which he so resolutely 
contended ; but it is not improbable that one or both of them might have 
dropped this in conversation with Penn, availing themselves of his simplicity, 
with a view for him to make use of it if occasion should arise. But we see how 
armed the President was by his integrity and sense of duty. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



honesty and conscience;" but many things might have been 
said upon that subject, which I did not then think proper to 
mention. " However," said I, " Mr. Perm, in this I will 
be plain with you. We have our Statutes and Oaths to jus- 
tify ns in all that we have done hitherto; but setting this 
aside, we have a Religion to defend, and I suppose yourself 
would think us knaves if we should tamely give it up. The 
Papists have already gotten Christ-Church and University : 
the present struggle is for Magdalen; and in a short time 
they threaten they will have the rest." He replied with 
vehemence, " That they shall never have, assure yourselves; 
if once they proceed so far, they will quickly find them- 
selves destitute of their present assistance. For my part, 
I have always declared my opinion, that the preferments of 
the Church should not be put into any other hands but such 
as they at present are in; but I hope you would not have 
the two Universities such invincible bulwarks for the Church 
of England, that none but they must be capable of giving 
their children a learned education. I suppose two or three 
Colleges will content the papists : Christ-Church is a noble 
structure, University is a pleasant place, and Magdalen Col- 
lege is a comely building. The walks are pleasant, and it is 
conveniently situated just at the entrance of the town," &c, 
&c. When I heard him talk at this rate, I concluded he 
was either off his guard, or had a mind to droll upon us. 



30 



THE LIFE OF 



" However," I replied, " when they had ours they would 
take the rest, as they and the present possessors could never 
agree." In short, I see it is resolved that the papists must 
have our College ; and I think all we have to do is, to let the 
world see that they take it from us, and that we do not 
give it up. 

I count it great good fortune that so many were present 
at this discourse (whereof I have not told you a sixth part, 
but I think the most considerable) ; for otherwise I doubt 
this last passage would have been suspected as if to heighten 
their courage through despair. But there was not a word 
said in private, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Cradock, 
and Mr. Young being present all the time. 

Give my most humble service to Sir Thomas Powell and 
Mrs. Powell. 

I am, Dear Sir, 
Your very affectionate and faithful Servant, 

J. H. 

It appears from the account of this conference, and from 
subsequent events, that the business had gone too far, and 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



31 



that the King and his ministers were too deeply engaged, 
Doth by their passions and their actions, to give the College 
any ground to hope for an alteration of their proceedings; 
for on the 19th of October, the pretended President, as he 
was called, and the Fellows received a Citation dated the 
17th, to appear on the 21st of that month, at Magdalen 
College before certain Lords Commissioners appointed 
specially to visit the College. 

The Commissioners were Cartw right, Bishop of Chester, 
Sir Robert Wright, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and 
Sir Thomas Jenner, Baron of the Exchequer, who coming 
to Oxford on Thursday the 20th, attended by three troops of 
horse, went early into the chapel the next morning, Friday the 
21st, and adjourned to the hall, where their Commission 
having been read, (which in general consisted of the same as 
the former, with the addition of the present three commis- 
sioners, who were particularly empowered to visit Magdalen 
College only ;) the names of the President and Fellows were 
called over, and Dr. Hough was mentioned first. 

A speech was then made by the Bishop of Chester, in 
which his Lordship was severe against disloyalty and dis- 
obedience. He observed that the Church of England taught 
unconditional and unlimited obedience; that this Corpora- 



32 



THE LIFE OI 



tion as well as others were the creatures of the Crown, and 
that it was insolence in their local statutes to spurn against 
the maker of them; that their distempers had brought this 
visitation upon them, which might produce ill consequences 
to the Church and to the Universities. He exhorted them 
to consider these things ; he said that the eyes of the world 
were upon them, and that they ought to take care that their 
practices might not influence their deluded admirers, &c. 

The whole Speech consisted of promises and threats, and 
was calculated to induce them to a compliance. The Court 
then adjourned to two in the afternoon. When they met in 
the afternoon, the names of the Demys* and College Servants 
were called over. The President then desired leave to speak, 
which was granted. 

President. The time between the Citation and the ap- 
pearance being so short, the Society have not time to advise 
with Counsel, and therefore they desire a Copy of the Com- 
mission and time to consider of it. 



* So called at Magdalen College, being Probationers, or Demy Fellows. Demy, 
from dimidium, Collegii Magdalensis Oxonii Alumnus dicitur, q. d. Semi-socius. 
cui dimidium tantum salarii Socio debito, tribuitur. Skinner's Lexicon Etym. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 33 

Bishop. 'Tis upon Record; you may have it above. 



President. Is it the same, my Lord, the other Lords 
Commissioners had? 

Bishop. Yes, for the most part it is. 

President. Then, my Lord, I do assure you, (and will 
make oath if you please,) that I have often endeavoured to 
get a copy and could not procure it. 

Lord Chief Justice. Have you not heard it read, or 
will you hear it again ? 

President. I am not capable of making a judgment of 
it myself; but it is possible there may be errors and defects 
in it, such as the Society might make use of to their advan- 
tage; and I am confident it is neither his Majesty's inten- 
tion, nor your Lordship's, that we should be debarred of it. 

A copy was then denied. 

Bishop to Dr. Hough. What is the reason you act as 
President, since the election was declared void and null by 
the Lords Commissioners sitting at Whitehall in June last, 

F 



34 



THE LIFE OF 



and the Fellows stand out in contempt of the King's Man- 
date? 

Dr. Hough. My Lord, both myself and the Fellows 
have taken oaths, so strong and binding, that we cannot 
depart from them, without offering the greatest violence to 
our consciences. It was according to the statutes of our 
College that they made choice of a President, and therefore 
they were not capable of proceeding otherwise ; and as to 
myself, I have been condemned at Whitehall, and turned 
out of my property without giving me a hearing, or so much 
as a Citation to appear. 

Bishop. But how say you, Doctor, do you now submit 
to our Visitation? 

Dr. Hough answered in his own name, and that of the 
greater part of the Fellows, " That they submitted to it as 
far as was consistent with the Laws of the Land and the 
Statutes of the College, and no further. 

The Statutes being sent for and read, and found to be very 
strict and close to the purpose, the Bishop said; 

" Dr. Hough, do you imagine that a private Statute can 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



35 



contradict our Commission, and that it is not in our power 
to alter any of your Statutes? " 

Dr. Hough. My Lord, thus far I acknowledge your 
power reaches: you may alter Statutes in respect of persons 
who come after, which, when altered or made, are pro- 
posed to them before they swear to the observance of 
them; but not in respect of us, who have sworn to 
keep them as they are already made, without the least addi- 
tion or diminution ; for sure I am, that no power under 
Heaven can free me from the obligation I have taken. 

The Bishop said, that the King had dispensed with the 
Statutes, and asked the President if he thought they came 
there to act against law ? 

Dr. Hough. My Lord, it would not become me to 
say so ; but I will be plain with your Lordships. I find that 
your Commission gives you authority to change and alter the 
Statutes, and make new ones as you think fit. Now, my 
Lords, we have taken an oath, not only to observe these 
Statutes, (laying his hand upon the book,) but to admit of 
no new ones or alterations in them. This must be the rule 
of my behaviour ; I must admit of no alteration from them, 
and, by the Grace of God, I never will. 



3(3 



THE LIFE OF 



Being asked why he did not read Mass then, as there 
was a Statute for Mass ; Dr. Hough replied, 

" My Lord, the matter of this Statute is unlawful; besides 
the Statute is taken away by the Law of the Land. Besides, 
my Lord, that Statute having been abolished by the Law 
of the Land, it could never have affected me; for as long 
as the saying Mass is malum in se, and in my con- 
science I know the matter of it to be unlawful, that 
obligation ceases, and I am in no sort of duty bound 
by it." 

Chief Justice. In the King's Mandamus is implied an 
inhibition with respect to all others, and a dispensation of 
private statutes. 

Dr. Hough. That is past my understanding, my Lord ; 
nor since the foundation of the College has there been an 
instance of that nature. 

Bishop. Will you deliver up the keys to the use of that 
person whom the King has appointed President, as the 
Statutes require ? 

Dr. Hough. As the Statutes require, my Lord? 



BISHOP HOUGH 



37 



Bishop. Yes, as the Statutes require. 

Dr. Hough. My Lord, I will immediately do it, if that 
appear. 

Bishop. Turn then to the Statutes, where he promises 
to submit quietly, if he shall be expelled, either for his own 
fault, or other cause. 

Dr. Hough. My Lord, this Statute doth not concern 
me, if I be not expelled for any cause committed by me. 

Bishop. Vel ob aliam causam. 

Dr. Hough. Then to speak the truth, my Lord, here is 
no cause at all. 

After a long examination of the President, this and the 
following day, October 22d, and being interrogated again 
whether he would submit to the Decree of the former Com- 
missioners in June, whereby his election was declared void; 
he answered, that the Decree , of the Lords above was 
a nullity in itself from the beginning to the end; he never 
having been cited, nor appeared before them in person or by 
proxy. Besides, he was possessed of a Freehold, according 



38 THE LIFE OF 

to the Laws of England, and therefore he thought he could 
not be deprived of it but by course of Law in Westminster 
Hall, or by being incapacitated according to the Statutes of 
the Founder. Being pressed again to say whether he 
would deliver up the keys to the President whom his Ma- 
jesty had appointed, he replied, " There can be no other 
President whilst I live; and therefore I do not think fit 
to give up my right to the keys and Lodgings; the 
authority of the President is designated by delivering up the 
Statute Book and keys, and therefore I look upon them as 
an essential badge of my office." 

Bishop. We may demand them of you as Visitors. 

Dr. Hough. We never deliver up the keys even to the 
Bishop of Winchester, and we own no greater Visitatorial 
power. He has the King's authority: 'tis by virtue of a 
Royal Charter that we live together, and enjoy the benefits 
of this place: this empowered the Founder to give us a Rule, 
and obliges us by oath to live suitably to it. But your 
Lordship knows it has been controverted whether the King 
can visit a private College or not. 

But my Lord, I humbly beg of your Lordship that I may 
have leave to ask one question. Your Lordship is pleased 



BISHOP HOUGH 



39 



to demand of roe to give up my keys and Lodgings. Does 
your Lordship own my right ? For if not, what is it your 
Lordship would have me give up? 

Bishop. No: we look upon you as an intruder. 

Dr. Hough. If I am an intruder, the Bishop of Winton 
has made me one, and I thank God for it. My Lord, the 
time we have been allowed to prepare ourselves for this 
appearance has been very short, — but one day between that 
and the Citation, We are men ignorant in the Jaws, my- 
self in particular. I have endeavoured to give your Lord- 
ship a plain and satisfactory reply to such questions as you 
have been pleased to put to me. It is very probable that 
through ignorance or inadvertency I may have exposed my- 
self unwarily; if so, I beseech your Lordship, let no ad- 
vantages be taken of it. My intention has been all along to 
express myself with all imaginable duty to his Majesty and 
respect to your Lordships. If I have done otherwise, I be- 
seech your Lordship's candour, and a favourable interpreta- 
tion of what I have said, that nothing may be taken amiss 
where all was dutifully intended. And now, my Lords, I 
have thus far appeared before you as Judges. I now address 
you as men of honor in the last degree, as I always have 
been and always will be, as far as conscience permits me, to 



40 



THE LIFE OF 



the last moment of my life. And if I am dispossessed here, 
I hope your Lordships will intercede, that I may no longer 
lie under his Majesty's displeasure, or be frowned upon by 
my Prince, which is the greatest affliction that can befal 
me in this world. 

Upon this, the President was ordered to withdraw, and 
after a little time, he and the Fellows were called in again. 
Then the Bishop repeated the question. 

Bishop. Dr. Hough, will you deliver up the keys and 
give possession of the Lodgings to the person the King has 
appointed President ? 

This being repeated a second and a third time, and Dr. 
Hough having answered, that he had neither heard nor seen 
any reasons to induce him to it, the King's Proctor stood up 
and accused him of Contumacy; when the Bishop admo- 
nished him in these words, three times ; — " Dr. Hough, I ad- 
monish you to depart peaceably out of the Lodgings, and to 
act no longer as President, or pretended President, of this 
College." This being done, the Commissioners struck his 
name out of the books of the College, and admonished the 
Fellows and others of the Society, no longer to submit to 
his authority. Having adjourned till the afternoon, the 



BISHOP HOUGH. 41 

President came again into the Court, and having desired 
to speak a few words, they all took off their hats, 
and gave him leave; whereupon he said, " My Lords, 
" you were pleased this morning to deprive me of my 
" place of President of this College : I do hereby pro- 
" test against all your Proceedings, and against all 
" that you have done, or hereafter shall do, in prejudice of 
" me and my right, as illegal, unjust, and null ; and there- 

" fore I APPEAL TO MY SOVEREIGN LoRD THE KlNG, IN 

" his Courts of Justice.* 

Upon a noise or hum being made at the end of this 
speech by the younger scholars, the Chief Justice was so 
incensed, that though the President offered to make an 
affidavit that he was no ways accessary to it, but on the 
contrary was ashamed of it, and the Bishop said he believed 
him ; yet the Chief Justice declared that such rudeness was not 
to be borne, adding that if the civil power could not keep 
them quiet, the military should; and on the pretence that 
the President's language had given occasion to it, he bound 
fiim in the penalty of i?1000, and insecurity to the like 
amount, to appear in the Court of King's Bench, the 12th of 
November following. It is difficult to say whether the courage 
and firmness, or the prudence and temper of Dr. Hough in 
the management of this important contest, be more deserv- 

G 



42 



THE LIFE OF 



ing our admiration. It is observable, that his whole deport- 
ment was quite conformable to the sentiments expressed to 
his correspondent after the interview with Mr. Penn, on the 
9th of October, at Windsor. 

The Court met again on the 25th of October, when the 
Bishop of Chester (the Senior Fellow refusing,) put a Mr. 
Wiggins, Chaplain and Proxy to the Bishop of Oxford, 
into the President's stall in the Chapel, and conducted him 
to the door of the President's Lodgings: he then sent for a 
smith, who, on finding what he was wanted for, ran away. 
Another was immediately procured, who forced the door open 
in the presence of the Commissioners.* 



* Burnet says, " The Nation, as Well as the University, looked on all this 
proceeding with a just indignation. It was thought an open piece of robbery 
and burglary, when men, authorised by no legal Commission, came and forcibly 
turned men out of their possession and freeholds. -j* It so inflamed the Church 
party and the clergy, tha]t they sent over pressing messages to the Prince of 
Orange, desiring that he would interpose, and espouse the concerns of the Church; 
and hoping that he would break with the King, unless he redressed their 
grievances." Burnet's Hist, of his Own Times, vol. i, p. 701. 

t This agreed ill with the professions which the King was still making, that he would maintain the 
Church of England as by Law established; for this struck at the whole estate and all the tenjporalties 
of the Church. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



4-3 



It is remarkable that out of twenty-eight Fellows, there 
were only two who at all submitted to these proceedings, 
Mr. Charnock and Dr. Thomas Smith ; (for there were two 
of this name;) Charnock was a decided catholic, Dr. Smith a 
man of learning and abilities; he was born in 1038, had been 
Chaplain to Sir J. Williamson, Secretary of State, and in 
that capacity accompanied him on an embassy to Constan- 
tinople. He had travelled much abroad, and was the author 
of several ingenious works. It does not appear that he 
was at all partial to the Roman Catholic Religion; for 
he was afterwards deprived of his Fellowship by Bona- 
venture GifFord, the Popish President, in August, 1088, and 
though restored with the rest, he lost it again in July in 1 092, 
because he declined taking the Oaths to King William and 
Queen Mary, according to the Statutes. He lived after- 
wards in the family of Sir J. Cotton, and published, among 
other things, " Gulielmi Camdeni Vita et Epistolae." He 
died in May 1710* 

In consideration, however, that he and Dr. Charnock, 
were willing to submit to the authority of the Commis- 
sioners, and had not taken the decided part which 
the other Fellows had done, they were not considered 
culpable like the rest ; nor can we class them on the same 
high ground with those who, at that time, sacrificed their 



44 



THE LIFE OF 



worldly interests from a sense of duty to God and to their 
country. 

All the Fellows, except those above mentioned, seemed to 
be animated by the same spirit as their President, particu- 
larly Dr. Aldworth, the Vice-President, Dr. Pudsey, Dr. 
Henry Fairfax, Dr. Stafford, Dr. Thomas Bailey, Dr. John 
Smith, Mr. Fulham, and many others, who were treated 
with great contempt by the Commissioners, particularly 
by Baron Jenner; but who all refused to submit to the 
Bishop of Oxford as their President, or to assist at his 
admission. 

The Commissioners having staid a few more days at 
Oxford, and having expelled one of the Fellows, and sus- 
pended others, whom they considered as the most refractory, 
adjourned on the 28th of October to the l(3th of 
November following, when they again met at Magdalen 
College; and having admitted two new Fellows in the room 
of one whom they had expelled, and another who was 
deceased, after a long speech from the Bishop of 
Chester, they endeavoured to persuade the Fellows to sign 
a most humiliating submission, which they all, except the 
two before mentioned, refused to subscribe ; upon which all 
of them (twenty-five in number,) including those expelled 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



45 



or suspended before, were deprived of their Fellowships for 
disobedience and contempt of the Royal Authority.* 

These Proceedings were confirmed by the Commissioners 



* Their conduct was so spirited and disinterested, that it is but justice to 
record their names, as well as those of Dr. Hough, Dr. Aldworth, Dr. Fairfax, 
and Dr. Pudsey, viz. 



Dr. John Smith, 
Dr. Thomas Bailey, 
Dr. Thomas Stafford, 
Mr. Robert Almond, 
Mr. M. Hammond, 
Mr. John Rogers, 
Mr. Richard Strickland, 
Mr. Henry Dobson, 
Mr. James Bailey, 
Mr. John Davies, 
Mr. Thomas Bagshaw, 



Mr. James Fayrer, 
Mr. Joseph Harwar, 
Mr. Thomas Bateman, 
Mr. George Hunt, 
Mr. William Cradock, 
Mr. John Gillman, 
Mr. George Fulham, 
Mr. Charles Pennyston, 
Mr. Robert Hyde, 
Mr. John Yerbury, 
Mr. Stephen Wilks. 



The Sentence on the 16th of January, 1687-8, was, that those Demies who did 
not appear when summoned should be removed and dismissed. 

To this Sentence were affixed the following Signatures. 

Sam. Oxon, P. 
Rob. Charnock, V. P 
Phil. Lewis, 
Thomas Fairfax. 



The 



40 



THE LIFE OF 



for Ecclesiastical Causes, who met at Whitehall, the 10th of 
December following, and who having taken into their con- 
sideration all that had passed in the business of St. Mary 
Magdalen College, Oxford, and the contemptuous and dis- 
obedient behaviour of Dr. John Hough, and several of the 
Fellows of that College, whom they named individually, 
declared and decreed, that they should be incapable of re- 
ceiving, or being admitted to, any ecclesiastical dignity, 
benefice, or promotion. Such of them as were not yet 
in Holy Orders, were adjudged incapable of receiving or 
being admitted into the same; and all Archbishops, Bishops, 
&c, were required to take notice of the said Decree, and to 
yield obedience to it.* 



The Names of the Demies dismissed in consequence of this sentence were, 

Mr. Watkins, 
Mr. Stacy, 
Mr. Sherwin, 
Mr. Kenton, 
Mr. Cross, 
Mr. Bush, and 
Mr. Wells. 



Mr. Holt, 
Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Vesey, 
Mr. Brabourn, 
Mr. Hyde, 
Mr. Woodward, 
Mr. Fulham, 



* This Declaration is under seal, and is kept in the Archives of the 
College; 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



47 



It might have been supposed that the business would 
have here ended ; but on the 17th of January 1087-8, the 
Demies of the College, not appearing according to the 
Summons of the new President, the Bishop of Oxford, 
the fourteen already mentioned at the bottom of the last page 
were expelled, and their names struck out of the Butler's 
Book by Mr. Charnock, the new Vice-President. 

Notwithstanding this spirited resistance of the President 
and Fellows of Magdalen College, the King seems to have 
been confirmed more and more in prosecuting his arbitrary 
measures, nor did the result of a trial of the Bishops, 
which took place in June following, deter, but on the con- 
trary rather provoke him with more violence, to hasten 
precipitately to his ruin. 

It appears that he had frequent notice during the Summer of 
the preparations making in Holland ; but he was so confident 
in himself, that he would not give credit to this repeated info r- 
mation till it was too late, which providentially saved a great 
deal of blood that might have been spilt ; whereas a timely 
conviction of the real state of affairs midit have risked the 
success of an enterprise, in which the religion and liberty 
of the nation were so much concerned. At last, towards 
the end of September, when he was assured of the 



48 



THE LIFE OF 



intended Invasion, by a letter from Louis XIV himself, 
conscious both of his past error and present danger, he began 
to be alarmed. He ordered the Bishop of London's suspen- 
sion to be taken off, and had a conference with the Bishops 
who were in general favourable to Royalty ; he restored the 
Charter of the City of London, and ordered Lord Sunderland 
to write (which he did on the 11th of October) to the 
Bishop of Winchester, that " The King, having declared 
" his resolution to preserve the Church of England, and all 
u its rights and immunities, His Majesty, as an evidence of 
" it, commanded him to signify to his Lordship his royal 
" will and pleasure, that, as Visitor of St. Mary Magdalen 
u College, in Oxford, he should settle that Society regularly 
" and statuteably."* 

There seems to have been some delay in the execution of 
this Order; for it was not till a fortnight afterwards, viz. the 
25th, that the Bishop of Winchester held a Visitation in the 
Chapel of the College, and there having read the Royal 
Mandate sent him by Lord Sunderland, he attended Divine 
Service, and afterwards adjourned to the Hall, where having 



* See Sir John Dalrymple's Memoirs, vol. ii. The first public intimation of 
the intended Invasion was announced in the Gazette of the 1st of October. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



49 



summoned the President, Vice-President, Fellows, and other 
members of the College, and ordered the Statute concerning 
a Visitation to be read by a Notary-public ; he ordered the 
Buttery Books to be brought to him, and upon inspection 
having found many names inscribed in them contrary to the 
Statutes and Regulations of the College, he ordered them 
by virtue of the Royal authority, and by his own visitatorial 
power, to be marked with a cross, then to be wholly 
erased, and all of them to be for ever removed from 
the College. In their stead, he ordered the names 
of all and every of the President, Vice-President, 
Fellows, Scholars, Clerks, and other Members belonging 
to the College according to the Statutes to be inscribed 
as follow, viz. Dr. John Hough, President, Dr. Charles 
Aldworth, Vice-President ; thirty-eight Fellows, including 
the twenty -four who had been expelled the year 
before ; and also twenty-six Scholars or Demies, including 
the fourteen who had been expelled, and all the 
Chaplains, Clerks, Choristers, and other Members of the 
College. 

It has been said that it had not been unusual for 
the Sovereigns to recommend a person to be President 
of this College ; but then they took care not to recommend 
persons absolutely disqualified by the Statutes of the College; 

H 



50 THE LIFE OP 

and yet it cannot be denied that this abuse had before 
subsisted. It requires, however, no small degree of 
fortitude, even in a large body of men, to resist and 
overthrow long established practices, though with no other 
foundation than usage to support them. This was the 
merit of Hampden in the seventeenth, and it must be 
acknowledged to have been that of Wilkes in the eighteenth, 
century. 

The example of Dr. Hough, and his respectable 
brethren, did not end at Magdalen College, and at 
Oxford. A similar practice had likewise long prevailed at 
King's College, Cambridge, previously to the reign of 
King William, notwithstanding the express words of 
their Founder, Henry VI., that they should elect 
their own Provost. It was, however, resisted with 
success on the first vacancy after the Revolution, which 
was occasioned by the death of Dr. Copplestone in 
1689. The College thought that they had now a fair 
opportunity of recovering their right, of which their 
Founder's Successors had hitherto deprived them, and 
accordingly appointed a day of election. Soon after, a 
Mandamus came down to the College to choose for their 
Provost, Mr. Upman, Fellow of Eton, who had preached 
a sermon in 1087, in favour of King James's Proclamation. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 51 

Upon this Mr. Upman was dropped, but another 
Mandamus was sent to choose Mr. (afterwards Sir Isaac) 
Newton to be their Provost. The College represented 
that this would be acting contrary to the Statute of 
the Founder, which expressly enjoined them to choose 
for their Provost one who either was, or had been, a 
member of one of the Royal Foundations of Eton or King's 
College, still urging their own right. Upon this, a third 
Mandamus was sent down to elect a Mr. Hartcliffe, 
who had given the first notice to the Court of a vacancy. 
The election came on within a day or two, when 
Dr. Roderick, Upper Master of Eton School, had the 
vote of all the electors but three, of whom Hartcliffe 
was one. To defend themselves from a law-suit, which they 
apprehended, the Society passed many votes, one of which 
was to apply to all the men of quality and fortune then 
living, who had been at King's College, requesting their aid: 
Lord Dartmouth, then High Steward, contributed a thousand 
pounds. By the interest of their friends, they prevailed 
so far as to gain a hearing, which was appointed to be at 
Hampton Court. The College chose three representatives 
to be their agents, Oliver Doyley, who had been 
Secretary to the embassy at Constantinople, Dr. Stanhope, 
Dean of Canterbury, the best disputant of the College, and 
Dr. John Layton, accounted the best scholar, but deficient 

h 2 



52 



THE LIFE OF 



in his hearing and sight. When they came to Hampton 
Court, they were conducted into the Gallery, where they 
were met by the Attorney and Solicitor General, to whom 
they clearly proved, that the right of electing the Provost 
was given to the College by the grant of their Founder and 
by the Statutes. The Attorney General, then Sir George 
Treby, replied, that notwithstanding this, the Founder's 
Successors had from time to time put in the Provosts, and 
produced a long list of Provosts so appointed up to the present 
time. On which Dr. Layton, not a little nettled, rose up, 
and at the same instant a whisper went round, that the Queen 
was coming through the Gallery ; all the company rose up, 
except Layton, who through the defect of his eyes and ears, 
observed, or pretended to observe, neither ; but referring to 
the case of Magdalen College, Oxford, and striking his hand 
upon the table, cried out with a loud voice, " Mr. Attorney 
u General, if we must bear the grievances of former reigns, 
" then is the King come in vain:" with which the Queen 
was not a little startled, and they were soon ordered to 
depart. This, however, is certain, that the ministers did 
not persevere in the measure : for the King going to New- 
market, took Cambridge in his way, where he visited 
King's College Chapel, attended by the Duke of Somerset 
and others, when he told the College he gave his consent 
that the person they had chosen should be their Provost ; 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



63 



who has been elected by the College ever since without 
molestation.* 

Soon after the Revolution, viz. in April 1090, Dr. Hough 
was nominated Bishop of Oxford, with a licence to hold 
the Presidentship of Magdalen College in commendam, 
which he did till he succeeded Dr. William Lloyd, Bishop 
of Lichfield and Coventry, in 1099. It must have been a 
singular satisfaction to him, as it was a most appropriate 
reward, that he should receive that mark of elevation in a 
place, which was the scene of his degradation, or rather of 
his exemplary fortitude and manly virtue ; nor does it appear 
that this accession of rank at all altered the general benignity 
of his nature towards those with whom he was connected 
either in his College, or in his Diocese ; for even they 
who had taken a dine rent part at the time of his election, 
or w r ere of a different opinion with himself, were always 
treated by him with the greatest humanity and indulgence. 
One of them, Dr. Thomas Smith, who declined to support 
him so entirely as the other Fellows, in the contest for the 
Presidentship, and who concurred in some subsequent measures 



* This account was furnished by an intimate friend of the Editor, and a Fellow 
of King's College, from a paper drawn up by Mr. Reynolds, who had been atEton 
School in 168S, and was afterwards Fellow of King's and of Eton College. 



54 



THE LIFE OF 



of King James relative to the College, had great difficulty 
ill retaining his Fellowship, and was subject to other 
disabilities on account of the oaths required after the 
Revolution; but he always thought himself under great 
obligations to Dr. Hough for his liberal conduct to him on 
that occasion, as appears from a letter in 1690 to Dr. 
Hough, then Bishop of Oxford, among other papers of his in 
the Bodleian Library at Oxford. 

London, June 2, 1690. 

MY LORD, 

I deferred sending my thanks to your 
Lordship for your interposing so effectually in my behalf 
with the Commissioners, till some occasion presented itself, 
whereby I might do it with better grace and solemnity, being 
unwilling to trouble you with a bare letter of ceremony. 
But so it is, the same kind of necessity as before oblige th 
me to write this abruptly to you; for being called upon by 
the collectors here to pay the Poll Tax, a certificate that I 
have paid it in Oxon is necessary to be produced in order to 
my discharge, which I request you will order your servant, 
or the manciple, to be sent up to me. 

I am at this time engaged in publishing several Letters of 
Thuanus, Primate Usher, and others; but if you think it 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



necessary, that in order to the securing of my Fellowship 
against any Mandate which may be procured from the 
Court to dispossess me of it, upon a suspicion that I have 
not taken the new oaths because of my residence here 
in London, I will come down to the College, and will 
follow your advice with the same readiness as if it were a 
peremptory Summons, 

I know you will not blame me that I am so concerned for 
keeping my Fellowship, which is my only support (for I 
despair of getting one penny of rent due from my Prebend), 
as long as I can by any honest and just methods, I mean 
without prejudice to my avowed principles, understanding, 
and conscience. 

But in this very moment, since I wrote the last words, I 
am very sensible that I ought not to be over concerned or 
too solicitous, having the assurance of your friendship, which 
I will ever own and acknowledge, not only in my present 
circumstances, but in all possible contingencies and revolutions, 
with all the respect which it doth so justly challenge from, 
My Lord, 

Your Lordship's 

Most humble and faithful servant, 

THOMAS SMITH. 



56 



THE LIFE OF 



June 3d. I hope you will give me leave to promise myself 
all lawful favour from you as to my Fellowship; but 
with this condition, which it becomes me in decency 
and good manners to interpose, that it be not the least to 
your prejudice. 

T. S. 

Mr. Smith was one of those many conscientious and 
very respectable persons, who could not be prevailed on to 
take the oaths to King William. 

Dr. Hough, who, as it has been said, continued 
President of Magdalen College after he became Bishop 
of Oxford, was in July required to tender the oaths 

to Mr. Smith, as appears from the following letter to 
a neighbour of his in London, William Shaw, Esq., of 
St. James's-Street, London. 

Magdalen College, Oxford, July 2, 1692, 

MY DEAR BROTHER,* 

You have a neighbour on the 
other side of your street, Mr. Thomas Smith, Fellow of this 



* It does not appear that he was a Fellow ; nor is it easy to account for his 
calling him Brother.. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



57 



College, to whom I must beg the favour of you to deliver a 
message in the name of myself and this Society, viz. that we 
desire he will come down to Oxford and take the oaths, or 
send us a certificate of his having done it some time before 
the 22d of this month; otherwise we can no longer forbear 
to elect another person in his place. You may assure 
him, it is not without a great deal of reluctance we proceed 
to this extremity: but we have received a fresh command 
from the Queen to the Judges of the Assize, requiring us to 
tender the oaths again to all such as have not taken 
them, and to execute the laws immediately upon such as 
refuse. I am, dear Sir, 

Your most affectionate Friend and faithful Servant, 

JO. OXON. 

P. S. This is purely a civility to Dr. Smith, otherwise I 
would not have given you the trouble of it. 

The following answer was returned to Mr. Shaw. 

SIR, 

I desire you to give my thanks 
to the President for his civilities, which I shall always 
acknowledge, and withal to acquaint you that I cannot 
come down to Oxford upon the account for which I am 



58 THE LIFE OP 

summoned; much less can I or shall I send a certificate as 
I am required; preferring the peace of my mind and the 
satisfaction of my conscience before the enjoying of my 
Fellowship, which, for the sake of my principles, I am ready 
to lose and be dispossessed of, and that with the same, (not 
to say a greater,) willingness and alacrity that I was chosen 
and admitted to it : yet I wish all happiness and prosperity 
to the College; and shall, during the remainder of the 
time, which by the good providence of God I have to live, 
endeavour to serve it as I may, and as I ought, to the 
utmost of my power. 

T. S. 

July the 5th, 1692. 

Whilst in the See of Lichfield and Coventry, Dr. Hough 
repaired and almost rebuilt as well as adorned the episcopal 
House at Eccleshall; and afterwards, on his removal to 
Worcester, he rebuilt great part of the Palace there, 
particularly the whole front, where his arms are impaled 
with those of the See in the pediment, and made considerable 
improvements at his other seat at the Castle of Hartlebury, 
so as to have laid out many thousand pounds upon them. 
He had before repaired the Lodgings at Magdalen College 
at his own expense, and contributed the sum of ^1000 



WSIIOP HOUGH. 50 

towards the new building at that place of his education. He 
likewise contributed ,£1000 towards building All Saint's 
Church, in Worcester, in the year 1741, where there is a 
very good bust of him put up in the east end of the 
church, as a grateful memorial of his liberality. 

We are informed by the author of the Account already 
mentioned, which was printed a few weeks after his death, 
and by other authorities, that the Metropolitan Chair was 
offered to Dr. Hough in the year 1715, on the death of 
Archbishop Tenison, which he declined the acceptance of 
from the too modest and humble sentiments which he 
entertained of himself; but afterwards, in 1717, when in 
the 67th year of his age, he succeeded Bishop Lloyd in the 
See of Worcester. 

He married, in 1702, Letitia, daughter of Thomas 
Fisher, of Walsh-Hall,* near Meriden, in the county of 
Warwick, Esquire, a younger brother of Sir Clement Fisher, 
of Packington, and relict of Sir Charles Lee, of Billesly, in 
the same county ; and it appears that he was very happy in 



* Another seat of the Fishers, where Sir Clement Fisher's brother Thomas 
resided, now converted into, and made use of as a Farm-house behind the Bull 
at Meriden. 

T 2 



00 



THE LIFE OF 



this connection. She was taken ill in the year 1722, and 
was attended by that eminent Physician and Naturalist, Sir 
• Hans Sloane, who, on their going into the country, gave 
directions in her case to a physician in the neighbourhood, 
as appears from the following letter from the Bishop to Sir 
Hans Sloane, among the MSS. of the latter in the British 
Museum. 

SIR, 

I humbly thank you for your last 
letter, and for that which you wrote to Dr. Beard : he is 
proud to be under your direction, and 'tis happy for my 
wife that he is so. I bless God, the remedies prescribed 
have hitherto succeeded very well; every day of the four or 
five last has discovered some degree of amendment, and 
yesterday she told us, that she perceived herself to be 
better; but as the indisposition has been long in coming 
upon her, it must be a work of time to remove it, and of 
great care and regularity to prevent its return. 

I beg you to believe, Sir, that you oblige me in the most 
sensible part ; for this world is nothing to me if I should lose 
the dear companion of my life. There seems to be good 
hope of her recovery. The Doctor and Mr. Hector 
encourage me to think so, and if I have the happiness to see 



BISHOP HOUGH. Ol 

her in a reasonable degree of health, I shall always own that, 
under God, I owe her to yourself. 

I am, Sir, 

Your most obliged and affectionate servant, 

JO. WIGORN. 

Notwithstanding this advice and care, she died November 
the 1 2th, of that year, in the 04th year of her age. 

From the relation of some persons* now living, who when 
young remembered this good Bishop, it is evident that 
he retained the highest respect for her memory to the latest 
period of his life. He kept the day of her decease with a 
religious veneration as long as he lived, and made it a rule 
to fast on that day; so that his friends, in the latter years 
of his life, frequently remonstrated against this practice as 
injurious to his health. She was buried in that part of the 
Cathedral Church of Worcester, called our Lady's Chapel, 
and the Bishop in his will, dated March, 1741, when he 
was ninety years of age, says, " I will, that my body be 
" buried by the side of my dear wife, with whom I shall 



"* Dr. Nash, Lady Biddulph, and Mrs. Harrison, now living at Worcester.^ 



02 



THE JLIFE OI 



" undoubtedly rise again, and with whom I trust to obtain 
" a part in that blessed state which our Lord Jesus Christ 
" has purchased by his death." He likewise wrote the 
following lines, which were afterwards inscribed round her 
medallion on his own monument. 

BY ME SHE WAS MOST ENTIRELY BELOVED, 
AND BY ALL OTHER PERSONS ESTEEMED AND VALUED 
FOR HER GOOD UNDERSTANDING* SWEET AND EVEN TEMPER, 
COURTEOUS AND EASY CARRIAGE, 
1TNBLAMEABLE LIFE AND PRUDENT AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT/ 
IN EVERY CONDITION AND CIRCUMSTANCE. 

JO. WORCESTER. 

By her Marriage-settlement, dated the 16th day of April, 
1702, in the first year of Queen Anne, between herself, 
the Bishop, then of Lichfield and Coventry, and Sir Clement 
Fisher and Mr. Serj. Byrche, of Leacroft, in Staffordshire, 
she had reserved a power to dispose of her property as she 
should direct by any Writing under her hand, with or 
without the consent of the Bishop. She accordingly left 
a Will, dated the 28th of April, 1719, by which she directs 
her Trustees to re-assign their Trusts and to deliver all her 
property into the hands of her dear, beloved husband, 
subject to a few legacies, which she leaves to her relations and 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



03 



friends; and she desires to be buried, at the discretion of the 
Bishop, in such place as he designs for his own interment. 

The author of the Account of his Life before mentioned, 
says, that " He equally retained the same inviolable love of 
u his country in all public exigencies whilst he sat in 
" Parliament; and during his retirement from business, on 
<c account of the infirmities of his advanced age, even to the 
<c last moments of his life. 

" His public Benefactions have been already mentioned, 
*' and his private acts of charity were very extensive. His 
" usual manner of living was very agreeable to his function, 
u hospitable without profnseness, and his conversation with 
" all was full of humanity and candour, as well as prudent 
" and instructive. 

u And, as he treated all persons of what party soever, in 
u secular affairs, with courteousness and affability, so he 
" shewed a great equality of temper and liberality towards 
" such as differed in some opinions with him in religious 
u matters. But his kindness to his particular friends shone 
u most brightly in his conversation with them, in his 
" affectionate correspondence with the absent part of them, 
" in his readiness to use all opportunities of serving them, 



64 



THE LIFE OF 



" and in the firmness and constancy of his friendship 
" throughout the course of a long life. He treated those of 
"his own profession, and particularly his own clergy, with 
" such a brotherly condescension, and in so obliging a 
" manner, as to be entirely beloved by them; and at the 
" same time he well knew how to preserve the dignity 
" of his station and the reverence due to the episcopal 
" character." This writer says of him, that " However 
" inexcusable it/would be not to take notice of the peculiar 
u happiness of his compositions, either in his Epistolary 
" Correspondence, or in his more elaborate discourses from 
" the pulpit, it must at the same time be allowed to admit 
" of no manner of comparison with the more solid ornaments 
" of his moral excellencies, and the genuine and unaffected 
" piety with which he was endowed ; but more especially his 
u heavenly temper of mind, his contempt of the world, and 
" his indifference to life, were most visible in the latter 
" period of his own: his firm faith in the promises of the 
" Gospel exerted itself most remarkably in his declining 
" years, as well in conversation with some of his friends 
" about his hopes of a better state, and even in his own 
• - private thoughts on the nature of that state, as in several 
" letters to others about the gradual decay of his body, the 
" just sense he had of his approaching dissolution, and his 
" entire resignation to the Will of God. To omit other 



BISHOP HOUGH. 65 

" instances, his christian temper of mind was fully ex- 
" pressed in a letter written by him a little before his death 
" to Lord Digby, a person eminently distinguished by his 
" goodness and piety; in which, after an acknowledgment 
" of the ancient friendship he had with that truly honourable 
" Lord, and of his own sincere regard for his noble family 
" and relations, he uses these memorable words of himself : 
c I am weak and forgetful — in other respects I have ease to a 
c degree beyond what I durst have thought on when years 
' began to multiply upon me. I wait contentedly for a deli- 
c verance out of this life into a better, in humble confidence 
c that by the mercy of God, through the merits of his Son, I 
c shall at the Resurrection stand on his right hand. And when 
6 you, my Lord, have ended those days that are to come, 
' (which I pray may be many and comfortable,) as innocently 
c and as exemplarily as those that are passed, I doubt not of 
' our meeting in that state, where the joys are unspeakable 
c and will always endure.' 

" And as he had on many former occasions expressed his 
" well-grounded hopes of Immortality ; so they gradually 
" grew stronger upon him, and seemed to be more vigorous 
" in proportion to the decays of his body. Indeed, even the 
" temper of his mind bore so just a proportion to his well- 
" tempered constitution of body, as by an happy result of 

K 



66 



THE LIFE OF 



5 



" both, to extend his age to the beginning of his ninety- 
u third year, and almost to the completion of the fifty-third 
" year of his Episcopate. But he cast only a cursory eye 
" upon the minute distinctions of human life, as the whole 
"is at best of a short duration. Bishop Hough's lamp of 
" life burnt clear, if not bright, to the last; and though his 
" body was weak, he had no pain or sickness, as he himself 
u acknowledged on several occasions, not only at a consi- 
" derable distance of time from his death, but even a few 
" minutes before he expired. His end was peace, and he 
" enjoyed tranquillity at the last. The easiness of his death 
" seems to have been as much derived from the serenity of 
" his mind and a good conscience, as from his insensibly 
" exhausted spirits ; or rather by the concurrence of both, 
u in the Scripture language, he gently fell asleep." 

In confirmation of the account here given of him by one 
who seems to have known him intimately, and to have 
written this Account a few weeks only after his death, many 
anecdotes of his pleasantry, philanthropy, and social virtues, 
are related of him in the decline, as well as at other 
periods of his life. 

Dr. Nash, author of the valuable History of Worcestershire,* 



* Vol. ii. Appendix, p. 164. 



r 

BISHOP HOUGH. 



67 



relates the following anecdotes of him from his personal 
knowledge ; one of which shews the playfulness of his 
mind, as well as his great good humour, and the other his 
almost unbounded liberality. 

A young clergyman, curate of a neighbouring parish, 
taking his leave of him one day, and making many awkward 
bows, ran against, and threw down on the floor, a favourite 
barometer of the Bishop's: the young man was frightened 
and extremely concerned ; but the good old Prelate, with 
all the complacency possible, said to him, " Don't be uneasy 
" Sir, I have observed this Glass almost daily for upwards 
" of seventy years, but I never saw it so low before." 

The other is as follows: he always kept £1000 in 
the house for unexpected occurrences ; perhaps, to pay 
funeral expenses or legacies. One day the Collectors of 
one of the noble Societies in this country came to him to 
apply for his contribution: the Bishop told his Steward to 
give them £500. The Steward made signs to his master, 
intimating that he did not know where to get so large a sum. 
He replied, " You are right, Harrison, I have not given 
" enough ; give the gentlemen £1000 ; you will find it in 
" such a place ;" with which the old steward, though unwil- 
lingly, was forced to comply. 

k 2 



08 



THE LIFE OF 



It appears from his Will, that he had lent this very 
steward, who was a most worthy and respectable man, ^1000 
towards the purchase of a small estate near Worcester, 
as he desires in his Will that it may not be demanded 
of him till three years after his own death, and that in the 
mean time no Interest may be taken. The Editor has been 
credibly informed by an aged Female still living, that she 
was present when the steward attended the Bishop's 
executor, Mr. John Byrche, and shewed him a partition in 
the cellar, which being removed, discovered a thousand 
guineas, totally unknown to every body but the steward. 

The author* of the History of Worcestershire, which 
has been already quoted, says, " The mild and amiable 
" character of this Prelate, cannot be too much admired 
u or too highly extolled. He lived in this county (of Wor- 
u cester) eighteen years, beloved by every one. If he 
u had any fault, it arose from an easiness of temper, and 



* This respectable Divine died in January, 1811, at the age of eighty-five, 
since this account was written. 

The Editor had received many civilities from Dr. Nash, who wished a short 
time before his death, to favour him with some original letters of Bishop Hough, 
but was not able to find them in his infirm state of health. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



69 



" too great partiality for his old and faithful servants.'' But, 
with great deference to this respectable author, who him- 
self lived to be considerably above fourscore, I think it 
is hardly possible to be too partial to old and faithful 
servants, who have lived with us, perhaps, the better part 
of their lives ; provided such partiality does not proceed to 
excess, and interfere with those just attentions that are 
due to our own family, relations, and friends, who have the 
first claim on our bounty and consideration: and that Bishop 
Hough was blest with many servants of this description, 
appears from the liberal and affectionate notice taken of 
them in his last Will and Testament, the most solemn act 
of every man's life ; in which, after leaving to most of 
them many marks of his bounty and remembrance, particu- 
larly to this steward and two of his brothers, whose names 
were " Harrison," and who had all lived with him many 
years, he adds, " and I leave to these three brothers this 
" testimony, that they have always served me diligently, 
" faithfully, and with affection: may the blessing of God 
" be always upon them!" — I confess, that instead of thinking 
such partiality a failing, I consider that it is a great ornament 
in the character of any man. 

Another well authenticated anecdote has likewise been 
communicated to me by the Rev. Mark Noble, F. A. SS. of 



70 THE LIFE OF 

London and Edinburgh, author of the Memoirs of the 
Protectorate House of Cromwell and other publications, 
and whom I have the pleasure to call my friend; viz. that a 
poor widow requested access to him, to say she was unable 
to pay the whole of the Fine expected by his Secretary for 
the renewal of a Lease, and to hope he would accept of 
what she had to offer. The Bishop freely forgave the whole, 
and ordered his Secretary to make her a present of ^100 
towards the support of a numerous family, with this remark : 
" How can we apply the money, good Harrison, to a 
" better purpose than in the present instance ?" 

It is hardly necessary to say any thing farther of this 
eminent Bishop's life, except to add the description which 
the excellent Lord Lyttelton gives of him in his Persian 
Letters, who, speaking of him in the character of Selim, 
a Turk, writing to his friend Mirza, says, u In the first 
" place he resides constantly on his diocese, and has done 
" so for many years ; he asks nothing of the Court for 
" himself and family ; he hoards up no wealth for his 
u relations ; but lays out the revenues of his See in a 
" decent hospitality, and a charity void of ostentation. 
" At his first entrance into the world, he distinguished 
" himself by a zeal for the liberty of his country, and 
" had a considerable share in bringing on the Revolution 



BISHOP 



HOUGH. 



" that preserved it. His principles were never altered 
" by his Preferment ; he never prostituted his pen, nor 
" debased his character, by party disputes, or blind 
c< compliance. Though he is warmly serious in the belief 
" of his Religion, he is moderate to all who differ from 
" him ; he knows no distinction of party, but extends 
" his good offices alike to Whig or Tory ; a friend to 
" virtue under any denomination ; an enemy to vice under 
" any colours. His health and old age are the effects of a 
" temperate life and quiet conscience : though he is now some 
" years above fourscore, nobody ever thought he lived too 
" long, unless it was out of impatience to succeed him." 

" This excellent person entertained me with the 
u greatest humanity, and seemed to take a particular 
" delight in being useful and instructive to a stranger ; 
" to tell the truth, Mirza, I was so affected with the piety 
" and virtue of this Teacher, the Christian religion appeared 
"to me so amiable in his character and manners, that if 
u the force of education had not rooted Mahometism in my 
" heart, he would certainly have made a convert of me."* 

It does not appear that Dr. Hough ever prepared any 



* Vol. i. p. 309. 



72 



THE LIFE OF 



thing for the Press, except Sermons preached on particular 
occasions ; though Mr. Carte says, in his Life of the 
Duke of Ormond, that he once designed to write the 
Duke's life, and laments that he gave it up to Sir Robert 
Southwell, adding, " that the world thereby lost sight of as 
" fine a pen, as any age has produced." 

It is not surprising, that such a constellation of virtues, 
as this great and good Prelate possessed, should be 
celebrated by Poets as well as Historians. Pope, speaking 
of the trophies which deck the truly good and brave, says, 

Such as on Hough's unsullied mitre shine, 
Or beam, good Digby! from a heart like thine. 

Lord Lyttelton, to his friend Dr. Ayseough, pointing out 
to him the examples of Locke, Boyle, and Cambray, remarks, 

Good Worc'ster thus supports his drooping age, 
Far from court flattery, far from party-rage ; 
He, who in youth, a tyrant's frown defied, 

Firm, and intrepid on his country's side, f 
Her boldest champion then, and now her mildest guide! J 
George Lord Lyttelton, Misc. Works, vol. iii. p. 86. 

And a later muse, 



See Hough, superior to a tyrant's doom, 
Smile at the menace of a slave of Rome. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



73 



The advantages, likewise, of a pious and virtuous old 
age, illustrated by the example of Dr. Hough, are thus 
eloquently and beautifully described by one of the most 
classical pens, and one of the most amiable characters of 
the century in which they both lived, Isaac Hawkins 
Browne, Esquire, in his noble Poem on the Immortality 
of the Soul, which is well known to every scholar ; and 
therefore, as I have prefixed an extract from it in the 
title-page of this Volume, I shall content myself with 
giving the English reader a translation of a part of it, 
by the late Soame Jenyns Esquire, a poet and a wit, as 
well as a philosopher and christian. 



How happy those we find, 

Who know by merit to engage mankind ! 
Prais'd by each tongue, by every heart belov'd, 
For virtues practis'd, and for arts improv'd: 
Their easy aspects shine with smiles serene, 
And all is peace, and happiness within ; 
Their sleep is ne'er disturb'd by fears or strife, 
Nor lust, nor wine, impairs the springs of life. 
Their fortune cannot sink, nor much elate, 
Whose views extend beyond this present state. — 
By age when summoned to resign his breath, 
Calm and serene, he sees approaching death, 
As the safe port, the peaceful, silent shore, 
Where he may rest, life's tedious journey o'er : 
He, and he only, is of death afraid, 



74 



THE LIFE OF 



Whom his own conscience has a coward made ; 

Whilst he, who virtue's radiant course has run, 

Descends like a serenely setting sun ; 

His thoughts triumphant Heav'n alone employs, 

And hope anticipates his future joys. 

So good, so blest, th' illustrious hough we find, 

Whose image dwells with pleasure on my mind : 

The mitre's glory, freedom's constant friend, 

In times which ask'd a champion to defend : 

Who, after near an hundred virtuous years, 

His senses perfect, free from pains and fears, 

Replete with life, with honour, and with age, 

Like an applauded actor left the stage ; 

Or like some victor in th' Olympic games, 

Who having run his course, the crown of glory claims. 

The whole of this beautiful description of a happy and 
pious old age was drawn from the life, as the author was 
personally acquainted with Bishop Hough, and visited 
him at Hartlebuiy Castle in Worcestershire, not long before 
his death. 

I have been assured by his son, the present Mr. Hawkins 
Browne, who inherits the talents and the virtues of his 
Father, and whom I am happy to call my friend, that the 
appearance of the venerable Prelate, and the cordiality 
with which he received the author of the poem, made a deep 
and lasting impression on his mind, and probably gave rise 
to the original Latin of the preceding beautiful lines. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



75 



The Editor has been disappointed in a diligent search, 
which he made to recover some letters, both from and to 
the Bishop, in the early and more active part of his life ; 
but he has been able to make some amends, by offering 
the reader many written in the decline of it ; which he 
shall place together in the latter part of this Volume : 
most of them are addressed to two ladies, who were the 
daughters of Sir Samuel and Lady Marow, of Berkswell- 
hall, in the county of Warwick, Aunt, by her second 
Marriage, to Bishop Hough's wife, Lady Lee. Lady Marow 
died in October, 1714, and the Bishop preached her funeral 
sermon, in St. James's church, Westminster. 

As there are few of his Writings extant, it may not be 
unseasonable to insert his character of this lady, which 
will afford a specimen of his style, as far as the subject 
admitted of it. 

" From her infancy she had a very tender and nice 
constitution, which, though supported by regularity and 
constant temperance, did by frequent indisposition put 
her in mind, that she was not to expect much ease, or 
imagine it made for any long duration ; but she had a 
native cheerfulness, and a calm, easy temper. As she 
grew, she passed into new scenes of life, and found 

l 2 



70 



THE LIFE OF 



exercise for her virtues in every one of them. As a 
wife, she made it her first business to discover and 
comply with the inclinations of her husband. As a 
mother, she was tender, indulgent, and impartial to all her 
children; her cares were equally divided between them. 
As a mistress, she was kind and gentle to her servants, 
willing to accept of their endeavours to please, and ready 
to overlook little miscarriages ; always bearing in mind 
that servitude is a hard condition of life, which they 
who are born to command, are bound in conscience 
to lighten, lest ignorance should make the poor give 
way to unjust thoughts of Providence. To her Tenants 
and inferior neighbours, she was beneficent and liberal, 
easy of access, and courteous in the reception of them : 
nor did she suffer them in any exigency to want those 
helps, that her kitchen, her closet, or her cabinet could 
supply." 

" And that God might bless her in the discharge of her 
duty, and make her sincere endeavours answer their 
respective ends, she allowed no sort of avocation to 
interrupt her attendance upon them ; her stated times of 
retirement were punctually observed, and the public 
assembly never missed her." 

" Thus she behaved herself in the married state ; when 



BISHOP HOUGH. 77 

she became a widow, she was above the affectation of a 
sullen reserve, because she never had levity that needed 
to be corrected ; yet she chose to withdraw herself from 
public diversions, and had no reluctancy in parting with 
them." 

u Her greatest satisfaction was in the enjoyment of her 
children, and in the company of her acquaintance and 
friends; amongst whom, she was careful not to assume 
more than her part ; and if her conversation was not always 
edifying, it was always inoffensive ; no heat, nor passion, 
nor ill-natured touches upon the present or the absent, no 
disparagement of others, nor commendation, though ever 
so remote, of herself, could get a passage through her lips ; 
and if others transgressed in any point, which could 
rarely happen in the company she kept, her dislike to it 
was easy to be observed in a careless attention or dead 
silence. Thus unblameable in conduct, thus disengaged 
from the world, thus taught and experienced in the 
frailties and imperfections of it, she stood in preparation, 
when God should call, to leave it willingly on its own 
account. But she had stronger motives to attend that 
call, which made her watch for it, not only with resignation, 
but with pleasure ; her eyes were intent upon the place 
to which she must go ; her heart was fixed upon those 



78 THE LIFE OF 

joys that are substantial and unchangeable ; she knew she 
would leave mortality behind her, that death would be 
swallowed up in victory, that she should not be held a 
moment under the dominion of it, and that the sun of 
righteousness would immediately arise upon her." 

" It was this expectation that made her proof against 
a lingering and a sickly decay : it was in the strength of 
this hope, that she saw death make its attacks, perceived 
him to gain ground every day, and never felt an inward 
shock. When medicine was ineffectual, she was not 
disappointed ; in the most uneasy moments, she uttered 
no impatience ; she prayed, indeed, for a calm passage, but 
it was with an entire submission to the will of God ; and 
when she considered that the chambers of death were of 
painful approach, and that the grave was the gate through 
which she must of necessity pass to a better life, she 
went down by such steps as Providence had ordained, in 
full confidence, that through the merits of her Redeemer, 
she was entitled, and should possess a part in it." 

" They who knew the Lady Marow, will subscribe to 
what I have said concerning her ; and I apprehend will 
think the character rather short and defective, than that 
I have exceeded it. Methinks, upon these occasions, 



BISHOP HOUGH. 79 

Preachers ought religiously to forbear heightening and 
glaring colours. I have endeavoured to do justice to the 
graces with which God endowed her, for otherwise, I 
should blemish them. But I have not been unmindful 
that they would be more hurt, by being stretched beyond 
their due proportion." 

" May we, through the help of Almighty God, make 
daily improvement in those graces, which have made the 
memory of the deceased blessed ! May we grow to such 
perfection in them, as to find comfort in the warnings we 
at any time receive, to prepare for our departure hence! 
May our strength be always superior to our trials ! and 
when we come to the last stage of life, may the summons 
to quit it find us in a disposition to receive it with joy, 
as that which will conduct us to the confines of immortality, 
where c the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in 
' his wings!" * 

He wrote likewise the following Epitaph on her, now in 
St. James's Church, Westminster, where she was buried, 
and which appears to be an elegant epitome of the Discourse, 
which he had delivered at her Funeral. 



* This was part of the Text. 



80 



THE LIFE OF 



HERE LIES MARY LADY MAROW, 
ONLY DAUGHTER TO SIR ARTHUR CAYLEY, BART. 
SHE DIED, OCTOBER 14, 1714, AGED 63. 

SHE WAS A LADY OF UNCOMMON MERIT, 
AND EXEMPLARY IN EVERY STATE OF LIFE. 
RELIGIOUS AND TRULY CHARITABLE WITHOUT OSTENTATION ; 
HABITUALLY GOOD AND VIRTUOUS WITHOUT INTERMISSION. 
HER CONVERSATION WAS ALWAYS AGREEABLE AND INOFFENSIVE, 
GUARDED WITH PRUDENCE AND QUICKENED WITH GOOD SENSE; 
EASY TO THE MEANEST, AND NOT ABJECT TO THE GREATEST ; 
WHICH MADE HER UNIVERSALLY KNOWN TO, AND ADMIRED 
BY, PERSONS OF THE FIRST RANK, VALUED BY HER EQUALS, 
HONOURED BY HER INFERIORS, AND BELOVED BY ALL. 
SHE HAD A FIRMNESS OF MIND, 
WHICH ABUNDANTLY MADE AMENDS FOR A WEAK AND TENDER 

CONSTITUTION, 

AND SUPPORTED HER IN ALL EXTREMITIES TO THAT DEGREE, 
THAT NO CAUSE OF GRIEF, NO PAIN OR SICKNESS, 
COULD EXTORT A COMPLAINT FROM HER. 
SHE RESIGNED HERSELF ENTIRELY TO THE WILL OF GoD, 
AND THE SUCCOURS OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT NEVER FAILED HER; 
SO THAT IN THE WHOLE COURSE OF HER LIFE, 

TO THE LAST MOMENT OF IT, 
SHE WAS A BRIGHT AND EDIFYING EXAMPLE 
OF FAITH, MEEKNESS, AND PATIENCE. 
BY SIR SAMUEL MAROW SHE HAD MANY CHILDREN, 
FIVE OF WHOM ARE LIVING. 

I.ANNE, 

Married to Sir Arthur Kaye, Bart. 

2. ELIZABETH. 
3. URSULA, 

Married to Robert Wilmot, Esquire. 

4. MARY, 

Married to John Knight, Esquire. 

5. ARABELLA. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



81 



FROM THEIR FATHER THEY SHARED A PLENTIFUL INHERITANCE, 
AND FROM THEIR MOTHER, WHAT IS INFINITELY MORE VALUABLE, 
THE BLESSING OF HAVING BEEN EDUCATED AND FORMED 

AFTER SUCH A PATTERN. 



DEPARTED THIS LIFE, DECEMBER 23 d , ANNO DOMINI 1692, 

WHOM IT WERE UNPARDONABLE TO LAY DOWN IN SILENCE. 
AND OF WHOM IT IS DIFFICULT TO SPEAK WITH JUSTICE ; 
FOR HER JUST CHARACTER WILL LOOK LIKE FLATTERY, 
AND THE LEAST ABATEMENT OF IT IS INJURY TO HER MEMORY. 
IN EVERY CONDITION OF LIFE SHE WAS A PATTERN TO HER SEX, 
APPEARED MISTRESS OF THOSE PECULIAR QUALITIES, 
THAT WERE REQUISITE TO CONDUCT HER THROUGH IT WITH HONOUR, 
AND NEVER FAILED TO EXERT THEM IN THEIR PROPER SEASONS, 

WITH THE UTMOST ADVANTAGE. 
SHE WAS MODEST WITHOUT AFFECTATION, 
EASY WITHOUT LEVITY, AND RESERVED WITHOUT PRIDE, 




MARY, RELICT OF KILDORE LORD DIGBY, 



KNEW HOW TO STOOP WITHOUT SINKING, 



AND TO GAIN PEOPLE'S AFFECTIONS, 



WITHOUT LESSENING THEIR REGARDS, 



82 



THE LIFE OF 



SHE WAS CAREFUL WITHOUT ANXIETY, 
FRUGAL WITHOUT PARSIMONY; 
NOT AT ALL FOND OF THE SUPERFLUOUS TRAPPINGS OF GREATNESS, 
YET ABRIDGED HERSELF IN NOTHING THAT HER QUALITY REQUIRED. 



HER PIETY" AVAS EXEMPLARY AND HER CHARITY UNIVERSAL. 
SHE FOUND HERSELF A WIDOW IN THE BEGINNING OF HER LIFE, 
WHEN THE TEMPTATIONS OF BEAUTY, HONOUR, YOUTH, AND PLEASURE, 

WERE IN THEIR FULL STRENGTH ; 
YET SHE MADE THEM ALL GIVE WAY 
TO THE INTEREST OF HER FAMILY, 
AND BETOOK HERSELF ENTIRELY TO THE MATRON'S PART; 
THE EDUCATION OF HER CHILDREN ENGROSSED ALL HER CARE, 
NO CHARGE WAS SPARED IN THE CULTIVATION OF THEIR MORALS, 
NOR ANY' PAINS IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR FORTUNE; 

IN A WORD, SHE WAS 
TRULY WISE, TRULY HONOURABLE, AND TRULY GOOD. 
MORE CAN SCARCE BE SAID, 
YET HE THAT SAYS THIS KNEW HER WELL, 
AND IS WELL ASSURED THAT HE HAS SAID NOTHING, 
WHICH EITHER VERACITY OR MODESTY, 
SHOULD OBLIGE HIM TO SUPPRESS. 



SHE WAS A FAITHFUL MEMBER 



OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND ; 




BISHOP HOUGH. 



83 



Lord Digby is well known, and an extract from it has 
already been inserted ; but the Editor having met with two 
or three more Letters, written at nearly the same time to 
persons in different stations of life, it may be desirable to 
insert them all in this place, in order to shew the uniform, 
consistent principles of piety and resignation which actuated 
him to the latest period of his life. 

To Lady Anne Coventry.* 

June 12th, 1742. 

MADAM, 

It revives the spirits of an 
insignificant old man, to see that Lady Anne Coventry 
condescends to think of him. She could not do an honour 
where it would be more highly valued, and I am most 
humbly thankful for that which I received by Mr. Dadley. 

His general character, and your Ladyship's good opinion 
of him, have induced me to qualify him for the very 



* There were two Lady Coventrys living at this time, both of whose 
christian names were Anne, one the widow of Thomas the second Earl, 
and daughter of Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort; she died in 1763, aged 
ninety years: the other, the widow of Gilbert the fourth Earl of Coventry, and 
daughter of Sir S. Master, of Codnor Castle, in the County of Derby. 

M 2 



84 



THE LIFE OF 



desirable service he is in ; and I pray God, that he, or 
another equally acceptable, may long, very long, be 
employed. 

You have heard, Madam, that I still live in greater ease 
than I durst have hoped : I seldom feel pain or sickness, 
and may your Ladyship's servants have the pleasure of 
hearing you say the same at my age ! But days now bring 
greater weight with them to me than years did before ; 
and I thank God, I contentedly wait till He shall make 
it insupportable. 

I pray that your Ladyship may be happy in every 
circumstance of life, and most happy in the close of it, 
and am, 

Madam, 

Your Ladyship's 

Most obedient and most humble servant, 

JOHN WORCESTER. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



85 



To Mr. Lewis* of Margate. 

* 

SIR, 

I could not forgive myself should 
I forbear to return you my best and kindest thanks for your 
favour in distributing what I troubled you with, to the 
mutual satisfaction of the receivers ; and am not a little 
pleased, that they are sensible of your kindness and mine 
to them. 

I apprehend I shall not live to see much more of the 
coming year, though I wear out leisurely, and am free 
from sickness and pain ; but strength declines and memory 
fails. The moderate degree of understanding, which God 
was pleased to give me, does not impair. The famous Mr. 
Waller was of opinion that age improved it ; I am sure 
experience does. But as the contrary often falls out, I 
have strictly charged those about me, that when they 
discover symptoms of such a change, they suffer no 
consideration to conceal it from me. I pray not with more 



* The Rev. Mr. Lewis, Vicar of Minster, and Minister of Margate, Author 
of the History and Antiquities of the Isle of Thanet : he died in January, 
1747, aged seventy-two. 



86 



THE LIFE OF 



sincerity for myself, than for my friends ; and I most 
heartily wish health and every convenience to you, whereby 
your life may be made easy and comfortable. 

I have no doubt, but that, when our gracious Redeemer 
comes in all his Glory to judge mankind, you and I, with 
all faithful people, shall, through the mercy of God, and his 
Merits, find a place at his right hand. What our portion 
may be in his kingdom, is known only to his Father and 
Himself ; but this is revealed to us, that there are pleasures 
above our conception and durable to all eternity. 

I have no more to add, but that 
I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother 
and obedient Friend, 

JO. WORCESTER. 

Hartlebury, April 6th, 1743. 

To the Right Honourable Lord Digby. 

MY LORD, 

I think myself much obliged to 
your Lordship's nephew for his kind visit, whereby I 
have a more authentic account of your Lordship's health, 



/ - 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



87 



than is usually brought me by report, and an opportunity 
of informing myself in many particulars relating to your 
noble house and the family at Woodcote ; which I hear 
with the uncommon pleasure of one, who has been no 
stranger to them. Mr. Cotes is remarkably blessed in 
his children, all whose sons are not only deserving, but 
prosperous ; and I am glad to see one of them devoted to 
the service of God : he may not, perhaps, have chosen 
the most likely employment to thrive by ; but he depends 
upon a Master, who never fails to recompense them who 
trust in him, above their hopes. The young gentleman will 
account to your Lordship for Hartlebury, but I fancy you 
will expect me to say something of myself; and therefore, 
I presume to tell your Lordship, that my hearing has long 
since failed me : I am weak and forgetful, having as little 
inclination to business as ability to perform it : in other 
respects I have ease, if it may not more properly be called 
indolence, to a degree beyond what I durst have thought on, 
when years began to multiply upon me. I wait contentedly 
for a deliverance out of this life into a better, in humble 
confidence, that by the mercy of God, through the merits 
of his Son, I shall stand at the Resurrection, on his right 
hand: and when you, my Lord, have ended those days 
that are to come, (which I pray may be many and pro- 
sperous,) as innocently, and exemplarily as those that are 



88 



THE LIFE OF 



past, I doubt not of our meeting in that state, where the 
joys are unspeakable, and will always endure. 

I am, 

Your Lordship's 

Most obedient and 

ever affectionate servant, 

JO. WORCESTER. 

April 23rd, 1743. 



To Dr. Gibson, Bishop of London. 



my LORD, 



You are pleased to ask, (and I 
am in many respects obliged to obey your Lordship in 
saying,) how it fares with me ? I lately saw the day in 
which I entered into the ninety-third year of my life ; 
and I thought it a very proper season to make particular 
inquiry into the state of it. I found the last year to 
have impaired every faculty of mind and body more than 
I could have imagined ; and by such imperceptible degrees, 
that I was not aware how treacherously it stole upon me, 



* This Letter was written only four days before his death, which took place 
the 8th of May, 1743. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 80 

and how deep impressions it made, till the several items 
of my loss came together in full view ; and then it appeared 
I had suffered so much, as left little to support the remainder 
of life. I think it can be but of short duration, and I 
thank God, the prospect gives me no uneasiness. Your 
Lordship has more than twenty years to come, before you 
arrive at my number, and are happy in a constitution that 
may carry you far beyond it : but pardon me, my Lord, if 
I reproach you a little for having made trial* of its strength, 
to the universal applause, indeed, but to the no small concern 
of your friends, who have seen some instances, and heard 
of many more, where great abilities have perfectly worn out 
themselves by over exercise. I pray for every thing that 
may contribute to the happy state of your whole family s 
and am, 

My Lord, 

Your Lordship's most obedient 

and affectionate servant, 

JO. WORCESTER. 

May 4th, 1743. 



* Bishop Gibson had lately reprinted several Treatises against Popery, 
digested under proper heads and titles, with Prefaces by himself. He lived, 
however, till 1748, and died at the age of seventy-nine, having worn out 
his constitution, it is said, by a long course of study and business. 

N 



90 



THE LIFE OF 



There was an epidemical distemper in this year, which 
was felt upon the Continent * as well as in this country, 
and which carried off a great many, particularly those in 
years. Among others, Mr. Melmoth, aged seventy-eight; 
Sir Theophiliis Biddulph, aged seventy-nine; Mr. Ains- 
worth, aged eighty-three; The Duchess of Kendal, aged 
eighty ; &c. 

It appears that this venerable Prelate could not withstand 
the remarkably severe weather in March and April of the 
year 1743. His constitution, however, struggled against it 
for a few days after he wrote this last Letter to the Bishop 
of London ; but at length, he expired without a groan on 
the 8th of May, surrounded by some of his friends and 
neighbours, who attended him in his last moments, and to 
whom he said, " We part, to meet again, I hope in endless 

"joys." 

The account of his death is thus given by the Rev. 
Mr. Meadowcourt, Prebendary of Worcester, who attended 
his funeral, in a letter to a friend at Oxford, who enquired 
the particulars of it. 



* Gentleman's Magazine, for May, vol. xiii., p. 274. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



91 



October Uth, 1743. 

* * * * * " His death * was occasioned by a 
cold, in venturing abroad during the severe north-east winds 



* THE FOLLOWING WAS THE ORDER OF THE FUNERAL. 

[Vide Green's Hist, of Worcester, Appendix, p. 132.] 

Procession through the City from Hartlebury. 

Thirty-two Tenants and Neighbours, 
Twelve Mourners, 

Six Chaplains, 
One Pink Banner, 
Two Bannerets, 
The Crosier, 

Maces, 
Gentleman, 

Butler, 
Secretary. 

Mitre, on a velvet Cushion, borne on a Horse led by Two, 

THE HEARSE. 
Two Coaches and four. 

Procession through the Body of the Cathedral. 

Ten Beadsmen, 
Ten Choristers with Chantor, 
Ten Lay Clerks, 
Ten Clergy, of Parishes in the Gift of the Bishop, 
Minor Canons of the Cathedral, 
Dr. Stillingfleet, Dean. 

Mr. Juett / the \ Mr. Stillingfleet 

Mr. -Holcombe \ BODY I Dr. Smallridge, Chancellor. 

Mr. Sandby \ borne / Mr. Meadowcourt 

Mr. E.Sandys \ b y / Mr. Wolley. 

One Banner, 
Two Bannerets, 
Followed by Eight Mourners. 



02 



THE LIFE OF 



last spring, and by disusing fires too soon in that season : 
hence ensued a troublesome cough, which in about two or 
three days grew better till the evening before he died, when 
it seemed to have thrown a load on his lungs too heavy to 
be removed." 

" He then sealed his Will, and, as usual, gave directions 
about his family affairs, and at night laid him down in 
peace, not to rise again till the Resurrection of the Just." 

" His legacies were as large as could be expected from 
his daily charities, during a long and most beneficent life. 
No man left the world with a more unblemished, or more 
amiable character. Happy will it be for the world, if 
the praises which crown his memory, may excite his 
survivors to copy after so excellent a character, and make 
themselves patterns of good works. 

" RD. MEADOW COURT." 

He was buried in the Cathedral near his wife, as they 
had both desired. 

His executor and relation, Mr. John Byrche, who did not 
long survive him, ordered a Monument to his memory by 
the best sculptor of the age, who was undoubtedly Roubiliac* 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



93 



He had executed the Monument erected to the memory 
of Sir Isaac Newton, and others of equal celebrity 
about that time ; and although Bishop Hough's by this 
distinguished artist is well known and admired by all 
who have visited Worcester Cathedral ; yet as there are 
many who have not had that opportunity, some description 
of it will no doubt be acceptable. Therefore, I shall not 
only give an Engraving of this Monument from a beautiful 
drawing by Mr. Ross, an eminent artist of Worcester, but 
also, an account of it drawn up by Valentine Green, Esquire, 
author of that elegant work, the " History and Antiquities 
of the City of Worcester," himself an excellent judge, 
both of the design and the execution. 

There were several candidates to write his Epitapth, and 
some doubt was entertained whether it should be in Latin 
or English ; but at last preference was given, and I think 
rightly, to the latter ; because, though our language is not 
quite so well adapted to the Lapidary style, yet as the 
principal use of an Epitaph is to excite those who read it 
to an imitation of the virtues of the deceased, the more 
universally it can be read the better, and the more extensive 
will be the use of it. 

The learned Dr. Freind, Master of Westminster school, 



04 THE LIFE OF 

and Canon of Christ Church in 1744, wrote a Latin one, 
which had a great deal of merit, and as it will shew the 
opinion of this learned man, and is still preserved in the 
Bodleian Library at Oxford, I will add a copy of it to 
that ultimately fixed on, after the excellent Lord Lyttelton 
had been consulted on the occasion. 

It is generally ascribed to Dr. Tottie, Canon of Christ 
Church and Archdeacon of Worcester; but it has been lately 
suggested,* that it was composed by Dr. Smallridge, 
who was Chancellor of the diocese at the time of the Bishop's 
death, and who likewise attended his funeral. 

It may not be unseasonable to add, what later writers 
have said on the subject of this distinguished character. 
Mr. Hume observes, + " The attempt upon the Uni- 
u versity of Oxford, was prosecuted with inflexible obsti- 
" nacy, and was attended with important consequences." 
* * * u The President of Magdalen College, dying about 
this time, a Mandate was sent in favour of Farmer, a 



* Gentleman's Magazine, for the Year 1807. Part iL, p. 701. 
| Vol. viii., p. 264-6. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



new convert, but one, who besides being a Catholic, had 
not in other respects the qualifications required by the 
Statutes for enjoying that office. The Fellows of the Col- 
lege made submissive supplications to the King for recalling 
his Mandate ; but before they received an answer, the day 
came, on which, by their Statutes, they were obliged to 
proceed to an election. They chose Dr. Hough, a man 
of virtue, as well as of the firmness and vigour requisite 
for maintaining his own rights, and those of the University. 
* * * The President, and all the Fellows, except two who 
complied, were expelled the College, and Parker, a Roman 
Catholic, was put in possession of the Office. This act 
of violence, of all those which were committed during 
the reign of James, is perhaps the most illegal and arbitrary, 
and begat an universal discontent against the King's Admi- 
nistration." 

Mr. V. Green in his History of the City of Worcester, 
mentioning Dr. Hough, * says, " He was a bishop after 
the primitive mode ; at his entrance into the world, he 
distinguished himself by zeal for the liberty of his country, 
and had a considerable share in bringing about the Revolution 
which preserved it." 



* Vol. i., p. 214. 



96 THE LIFE OF 

" During his last years, confining himself chiefly to his 
diocese he laid out his large Revenues in hospitality, yet 
without ostentation. He was a genuine Patriot ; the 
delight of the Church ; a thorn in the side of Oppression ; 
a father of the Indigent, and a friend to all." 

The Rev. Stebbing Shaw, Author of the History of 
Staffordshire, in speaking * of the Bishops of Lichfield 
and Coventry, after giving some account of a few of Dr. 
Hough's Sermons, adds, that he had lately an opportunity of 
perusing some of them, which he calls excellent, and says, 
" We are credibly informed that such was the Bishop's 
antipathy to their publication, that he gave a strict charge 
to the contrary after his decease. Whatever were the 
motives that swayed his amiable and unaspiring mind, 
there can be no shadow of doubt respecting the authen- 
ticity of these valuable Discourses, which are evidently 
composed in the same firm and perspicuous hand-writing 
with his Letters." 

Speaking of his Monument, he says, " There are 
few great men whose character may be taken from their 



* Vol. i., p. 277. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



97 



Epitaphs. Impartial history too often gives the lie to 
sepulchral monuments; but it is not so with Bishop Hough ; 
the English history has embalmed it; satire, that is wont to be 
unsparing to Mitres, has acknowledged his to be unsullied." 

His Wife, Lady Lee, by her Will, dated April 28th, 1719, 
which she was empowered to make by her Marriage-settle- 
ment, directs her Trustees, to re-assign their respective Trusts 
" into the hands, of her dearly beloved Husband, John, Lord 
Bishop of Worcester," and bequeaths whatever may be called 
her's, to him and his heirs for ever; he making good all such 
Legacies as shall be mentioned in her Will, or any Codicil, 
signed by her, &c. She then bequeaths as follows ;— 

" To my Nephew, Mr. Edward Byrche, my biggest Diamond Ring.— To my 
Niece, Mrs. Jane Byrche, four large Diamonds, formerly my Ear-rings.- — To my 
Niece, Mrs. Mary Byrche, my Diamond Buckle and small brilliant Ear-rings. — 
To my Niece, Mrs. Anne Byrche, my pearl necklace and Diamond Buckles. — 
To my Nephews, Mr. William and Mr. John Byrche, each of them twenty 
pounds to buy a ring.— -To Mrs. Mary Townshend, my Ruby Ring. — To Mrs. 
Biddulph, wife of Simon Biddulph, Esquire, my Gold Snuff-box. — And in token 
of the respect I bear to the memory of my former husband, Sir Charles Lee, I 
give to his unfortunate Grandchild, Mrs. R. Bradshaw, one hundred pounds." 

And then, after several small Annuities and Legacies, she 

desires to be buried, at the discretion of the Bishop, in such 

• - 

place as he designed for his own interment. 

o 



WILL 



DOCTOR HOUGH, BISHOP OF WORCESTER. 

Dated March 2, 1741. 



IN the Name of God, Amen. I, John, Bishop of Worcester, 
having my health, memory, and understanding as good as 
at all other times, blessed be God ! do make this my last Will 
and Testament in writing and in manner following. I 
bequeath my soul to Almighty God, in humble confidence 
of his acceptance, through the merits and intercession of 
my blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ ; and blessed be his holy 
name for that grace he was pleased to give me, whereby, 
I found myself early disposed to endeavour to understand 
and obey his will, as it is delivered in the Gospel of his 
Son ; and to wish well, and do good, according to my 
poor ability, to all men without exception. 

I will that my body be conveyed to Worcester, there 
to be buried in that part of the Cathedral church, 
commonly called our Lady's Chapel, by the side of my 
dear Wife, with whom I shall undoubtedly rise again, 
and with whom I trust to obtain a part in that blessed 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



99 



state, which our Lord Jesus Christ has purchased by his 
death for all those that love and look for his appearance. 
I will that my Funeral be performed decently, without 
superfluous expenses, according to the direction of my 
Executor. 

I give my right, title and interest in two Leases, under 
the Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, viz. the Manor 
of Burton and Worrell, and that other Lease of part of 
the tythes of Welmbury, both which are in the county of 
Chester, to my well-beloved kinsman, Mr. Thomas Byrche, 
of Leacroft iu Staffordshire, obliging him to pay to Mrs. 
Mary Townshend, during the term of her life, the sum 
of thirty pounds yearly, for which I received a valuable 
consideration. And I will that he pay to her likewise, 
the further sum of ten pounds yearly during her life, 
as a testimony of the good will that my dear Wife 
bore to her. 

I will that he pay to Mrs. Priscilla Beckett ten pounds 
yearly during her life, to whom I likewise give one silver 
plate, and the two little coffee-pots, as also the bed, chairs, 
window-curtains, skreen in her room ; which Annuities, I 
appoint to be paid by quarterly payments, without any 
defalcation for taxes, or any other account : the first 

o 2 



100 



THE LIFE OF 



payment to be made on the first Quarter-day after my 
decease. 

I give to Robert Harrison, my silver standish, the two 
little silver candlesticks which I use in my chamber, with 
the snuffer-pan, snuffer, and extinguishers belonging to 
them. I give to him a little silver dish, with six knives, 
spoons, and forks of Poyner's making, and two small 
silver salts ; as also the bed and furniture of the Green 
Chamber, at the North end of the house. And whereas 
I supplied him, the said Robert Harrison, with j£1000 
towards the making of his late purchase, my will is, that 
he enjoy the same, without payment of any interest ; 
nor shall he be obliged to pay the said ^1000, or any 
part thereof, till three years after my decease. And I 
will that he then apply it as I shall order by any writing 
under my hand. 

I give to Christopher Harrison one silver tankard, two 
little silver salts, with the white bed and all the furniture 
of the room where it stands. 

I give to William Harrison, one silver tankard, two 
little silver salts, with the bed and all the furniture in 
the Blue Room, where a Chaplain used to lodge ; and I 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



101 



leave to the three* Brothers this testimony, that from 
their first entrance into my family, they have always served 
me diligently, faithfully, and with affection. " May the 
blessing of God be always upon them !" 

I give my books to my kinsman, Mr. Thomas Byrche, 
of Leacroft in Staffordshire. 

I give fifty pounds to be distributed among fifty poor 
housekeepers in the parish of Hartlebury ; and fifty pounds 
to be distributed among one hundred poor housekeepers in 
the city of Worcester. The distribution to be at the discre- 
tion of my Executor, within one month after my decease. 

These forementioned devises and payments being made 
good, and all debts by me contracted and my funeral 
charges discharged, I give the rest and residue of my 
estate and all my worldly goods, under what denomination 
soever they may fall, to my beloved kinsman Mr. John 
Byrche, whom I do hereby nominate and appoint the full 
and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, 
reserving to myself a power to do as I shall see good, by 
any codicil hereunto annexed under my hand* 

* They all three attended his Funeral, and were his Secretary, his Butler, and 
his Gentleman. 



i 



102 



THE LIFE OF 



In witness thereof, I the said John, Bishop of Worcester^ 
have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of 
March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and forty-one. 

JO. WORCESTER. 

\ 

Signed, sealed, published, and declared 
by the above John, Bishop of Wor- 
cester, to be his last Will and 
Testament in the presence of Us 
whose names are subscribed in the 
presence of the said Testator and 
of each other. 

John Baker, 
John Eyre, 
William Broughton. 

I give to my dear kinsman Captain Drackford, twenty 
guineas for a Ring. To Mr. Congreve and Mr. Thomas, 
ten guineas each for mourning. 

I will that all my servants receive their wages to the 
next quarter-day after my decease, and that housekeeping 
be continued one month for them. 

I give to my deserving kinsman, Theophilus Biddulph , 
of Birbury or Birdingbury, Esquire, all my Pictures, not 




BISHOP HOUGH. 



103 



otherwise disposed of; and I give to him likewise one 
hundred pounds to put them in cases, and remove them 
to Birbury. 

I give to Christopher Harrison, two hogsheads of the 
best malt drink that shall be found in the cellar under his 
care, and as great a number of bottles as shall suffice to 
bottle off both of them. 

I give to William Harrison, my Escrutoire and writing- 
desk. 

I give to Mary Tillerton the bed and furniture in the 
room over the pantry. 

I declare this to be a Codicil to my Will annexed. 

JO. WORCESTER. 

June 10th, 1742. 

Proved at London, (with a Codicil annexed), before the Judge, the twenty- 
eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord 1743, by the oath of 
John Byrche, the sole Executor, to whom Administration was granted, 
being first sworn by Commission duly to administer. 

Signed, George Gostling, t 

Nathaniel Go st ling, > Deputy Registrars. 
Richard Creswell. 1 



EPITAPH 

ON THE MONUMENT OF BISHOP HOUGH. 



SACRED TO POSTERITY 
BE THE VIRTUES OF THE MOST EXCELLENT PRELATE, 

D E . JOHN HOUGH, 

THE EVER-MEMORABLE PRESIDENT OF MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD, 
IN THE REIGN OF KING JAMES THE SECOND. 
CALLED FORTH TO THIS DANGEROUS AND IMPORTANT STATION 
FOR HIS LEARNING, PRUDENCE, PIETY, 
HE MAINTAINED IT ON THE DAY OF TRIAL, 
WITH ABILITY, INTEGRITY, DIGNITY; 
FIRM IN THE DEFENCE OF THE INVADED RIGHTS OF HIS COLLEGE, 
HOW PROVIDENTIALLY FOR THIS CHURCH AND NATION, 
HE OPPOSED THE RAGE OF POPISH SUPERSTITION AND TYRANNY, 
LET THE ANNALS OF ENGLAND TESTIFY. 
IN HAPPIER TIMES, 
HE WAS ADVANCED TO BE A GUARDIAN OF THE RELIGION AND 

LIBERTIES OF HIS COUNTRY ; 
IN HONOURABLE TESTIMONY OF HIS EMINENT SERVICES TO BOTH, 
WAS MADE BISHOP OF OXFORD, A.D. 1690 ; 
WAS TRANSLATED TO THE SEE OF LICHFIELD AND COVENTRY, 

A.D. 1692; 

TO THE SEE OF WORCESTER, A.D. 1717- 



106 THE LIFE OF 

IN HIS FAITHFUL ADMINISTRATION OF THE PASTORAL OFFICE, 
BY PRUDENT GOVERNMENT, BY IMPARTIAL AFFECTION, BY PERSUASIVE 

EXAMPLE, 
HE WAS HONOURED AND BELOVED, 
AND LEFT TO EACH SUCCESSOR A WELL REGULATED DIOCESE. 
IN EVERY CONDITION AND RELATION, 
FROM THE INFLUENCE OF A LIVELY FAITH, 
FROM THE OVERFLOWINGS OF A BENEVOLENT HEART, 
IT WAS THE BUSINESS AND PLEASURE OF HIS LIFE, 
TO SERVE GOD, AND TO DO GOOD. 
HIS BENEFACTIONS TO MAGDALEN COLLEGE AND TO HIS EPISCOPAL HOUSES 
ARE ILLUSTRIOUS AND LASTING MONUMENTS OF HIS MUNIFICENCE ; 
YET MUCH WERE THEY EXCELLED BY THE NOBLE INSTANCES 
OF HIS DIFFUSIVE, UNBOUNDED CHARITY. 
HIS COURTEOUS AFFABILITY, AND ENGAGING CONDESCENSION, WERE THE 
DELIGHT OF THE NUMEROUS PARTAKERS OF HIS GENEROUS HOSPITALITY. 
GRACE WAS IN HIS ADDRESS, AND DIGNITY IN HIS DEPORTMENT; 
IN CONVERSATION, PROPRIETY AND PURITY OF LANGUAGE ; 
IN WRITING, EXACTNESS, EASE, AND ELEGANCE OF STYLE 

EMBELLISHED 

THE JUSTNESS, THE DELICACY, THE HUMANITY, THE PURITY OF HIS 

SENTIMENTS. 

BLEST WITH UNINTERRUPTED HEALTH AND TRANQUILLITY OF MIND, 
HAPPY IN HIS LIFE, AND IN HIS DEATH 
FULL OF HONOUR AND FULL OF DAYS, 
IN THE 93 rd YEAR OF HIS AGE, AND THE 53 rd OF HIS CONSECRATION 
IN THE ENTIRE POSSESSION OF HIS UNDERSTANDING, 



BISHOP HOUGH 



107 



IN THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF A WELL SPENT LIFE, 
IN SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE OF A JOYFUL RESURRECTION, 
HE EXPIRED WITHOUT A GROAN. 

HE WAS THE SON OF JOHN HOUGH, CITIZEN OF LONDON, AND MARGARET, HIS WIFE, DAUGHTER OF JOHN BYRCHE, 
IN THE COUNTY OF STAFFORD, ESQUIRE, AND MARRIED LETTICE, DAUGHTER OF THOMAS FISHER, OF WALSH-HALL, IN 
1 HE COUNTY OF WARWICK, ESQUIRE, BY DOROTHY, HIS WIFE, DAUGHTER OF JOHN LACON, OF WEST COPPICE, IN THE 
COUNTY OF SALOP, ESQUIRE. SHE WAS RELICT OF SIR CHARLES LEE, OF BILLESLEY, IN THE COUNTY OF WARWICK. 
HE WAS BORN APRIL 12th, 1651, AND DIED MAY 8th, 1743. SHE WAS BORN JULY 20th, 1659, AND DIED NOVEMBER 

12th, 1722. 

BOTH LIE INTERRED IN OUR LADy's CHAPEL. 
THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED AT THE EXPENSE OF MR. J. BYRCUE, THE BISHOp's EXECUTOR. 

Iu F. roubili.ac, inv> et fecit. 

Round the Medallion of the Bishop's Wife, are these words: 

BY MF. SHE WAS MOST ENTIRELY BELOVED, AND BY ALL OTHER PERSONS ESTEEMED AND VALUED, FOR HER 
GOOD UNDERSTANDING, SWEET AND EVEN TEMPER, COURTEOUS AND EASY CARRIAGE, UN BLAME ABLE LIFE, AND 
PRUDENT AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT, IN EVERY CONDITION AND CIRCUMSTANCE. 



EPITAPH 

ON DR. HOUGH, BISHOP OF WORCESTER, 

WRITTEN BY 

ROBERT FREIND, D D. 

Master of Westminster School, and Canon of Christ Church, Oxford. 

H. S. E. 

REVERENDUS ADMODUM IN CHRISTO PATER 

JOHANNES HOUGHIUS, 

JOHANNIS CIVIS LONDINENSIS FILIUS EX MARGARETA 
CONJUGE, JOHANNIS BYRCHE, DE LEACROFT 
IN COM". ST AFFORD I iE ARMIGERI FILIA. 
EDUCATUS EST IN COLLEGIO MAGDALENSI OXON. 

ANNO DOM I 1687 15 DIE APRILIS EJUSDEM COLLEGII PRiESES 

ELECTUS EST. 

POST PAULO, ET IPSE PRASES ET PLERIQUE EJUS SOCII 

EXPULSI SUNT, 
PER COMMISiSARIOS REGIA POTESTATE CONSTITUTOS, 
QUI ALIUM PR jESIDEM, ET ALIOS SOCIOS PRO SUA AUTHORITATE 

ELEGERUNT. 

ANNO DOM : 1688, GULIELMO RERUM POTITO, 

STATIM, UT PAR ERAT, PRASES LEGITIMUS 

Prjedictus JOHANNES HOUGHIUS, 

ET SOCII, QUOTQUOT SUPERFUERE, 
SUIS LOCIS, GRATULANTE UNIVERSA AC ADEMIA, 

RESTITUTI SUNT. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 109 

ANNO DOM: 1690 IDEM PRiEDICTUS PRJESES 

AD EPISCOPATUM OXONIENSEM MERITO EVECTUS EST; 
DEINDE ANNO DOM: l699,AD DIJ5CESUMDE LICHFIELD ETCOVENTRY: 
POSTREMO, SEPT. 28, ANNO DOM : 17^7, AD HANC VIGORNIENSEM 

PROMOTUS EST. 

IN SINGULIS HISCE HONORIFICIS, QUIBUS POTITUS EST, OFFICIIS 

ITA SE GESSIT, 
UT APUD EOS QUIBUS PRJEFUIT 
SUMMAM LAUDEM, CULTUM ET REVERE NT I AM ASSECUTUS EST. 
HOSPITIBUS DOMUS EJUS QUOTIDIE PATUIT, 

DONIS ET LIBERALITATE LARGUS FUIT, 
(PRJSSERTIM COLLEGIO SUO MAGDALENSI 
CUJUS iEDIFICHS ORNANDIS 
MILLE LIBRAS CONTULIT), 
ET CRESCENTE ANNUO REDDITU 
ETIAM ULTRO EXCREVIT MUNIFICENTIA. 
NATUS EST APRIL. 12, ANNO DOM: 1651, OBIIT MAII 8, A. D. 1743. 

ANNO T A T I S 93. 
ANNO DOM: 1702, UXOREM DUXIT 
LETITI AM THOMjE FISHER, DE WALSH-HALL 
IN COM: DE WARWICK ARMIGERI, EX UXORE DOROTHEA 
(JOHANNIS LACON DE WEST COPPICE, IN COM : DE SALOP 
ARMIGERI NATA), FILIAM, ET D. CAROLI LEE, 
DE BILLESLEY IN COM: DE WARWICK BARONETTI, VIDUAM. 

LECTISSIMA UMC FjEMINA, 
QUAM CARAM HABUIT, 
ET QUACUM FELIC ITER VIXIT, 

vitam inchoavit, jul. 20, 1659; FINIVIT, NOV. 12, 1722. 

CURRENTE ANNO jETATIS 64. 



BISHOP 



DESCRIPTION 

OF 

HOUGH'S MONUMENT.* 



IN the north transept of the isle, and against the east 
wall, where formerly stood the altar of the Holy Cross, is 
a most elegant and magnificent Monument, erected to the 
memory of that eminent and distinguished prelate, Dr. 
John Hough, Bishop of this Diocese. He is represented 
of the size of life, habited in his robes, which are disposed 
in a bold, free, and graceful manner, and seated in an 
easy, dignified attitude, in a reclined posture, on a Sarco- 
phagus, which is formed of black marble, with yellow veins 
beautifully dispersed over its surface, his right elbow resting 
on some books, and his hands joined as in the act of 
devotion. The position of his hand is inclined towards 
the left shoulder, and somewhat elevated: the countenance 
highly expressive of quick sense and religious hope, meek, 
yet animated ; and if an image of the piety of his mind 
may be attempted to be drawn from that faithful index, 
it may be said, that in the communion this revered 



By Val. Green, in his History of Worcester, Vol. i., p. 157 




Monument of B? HOUGH Bishop of Worcester 

m the Cathedral of Worcester, hv Kouhiliac 17-4S. 



2 JV&ccyle. Sc 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



Ill 



patriarch of our religion seems to hold with his Maker, 
(for he looks beyond this World) ; he appears to have 
newly heard the voice from Heaven, saying, " Blessed are 
" the dead which die in the Lord," and gratefully to feel 
the comforting inference, that " he should rest from his 
" labours." 

Beneath, to the right of the Prelate, is the figure of 
Religion, standing on the top of the base of the Monument, 
having in her right hand the Bible open, which she 
supports against her hip ; her left hand is employed in 
supporting a part of the drapery falling from the Bishop, 
which, it appears, would otherwise intercept her view, and 
also that of the spectator, of the Basso-Relievo on the face 
of the Sarcophagus. The figure of Religion is here viewed in 
profile, standing at a due angle with the whole. The gentle 
stooping of her body, as if more minutely inspecting into 
the above story, is most happily expressed. The centre 
of gravity is seated in the right foot, supported by the 
stress of the left hand against the drapery, as before 
described : the left foot, touching only with the toes, is no 
sort of support to it. This attitude, though intricate, is 
amazingly easy ; her aspect has the sweetness and com- 
placency which should accompany pure religion ; yet 
tempered here with the appearance of concern, as though 



112 



THE LIFE OF 



she felt the removal of an advocate whom she had tried 
and approved. 

The subject on the Bas- Relief, represents the High- 
Commission Court, held in the hall of Magdalen College 
Oxford, on Friday, October 21st, 1687, before Cartwright, 
Bishop of Chester, Wright, Chief Justice of the King's 
Bench, and Jenner, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, 
as Visitors, appointed by James the Second, to remove Dr. 
Hough from the Presidency of the College, to which he 
had been duly elected by the Fellows, and confirmed by 
the Bishop of Winchester, appointed by the Statutes of 
the Foundation, Visitor of that College. The composition 
is formed of two groups of figures, most expressively 
characteristic of their opposite interests in the scene. The 
first to the left, consists of the three tools of tyranny 
already named, seated on the Bench, imperious and 
overbearing, inflated with all the consequence and import- 
ance that could be derived from the impetus of their 
mission. The second represents Dr. Hough at the head 
of the Fellows of his College, attired in their academic 
habits, making his defence. A lively writer has so well 
drawn his portrait in this hour of probation, that I shall 
here beg leave to copy it. " The figure of Hough, is so 
extremely characteristic, and the countenance so perfectly 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



113 



expresses the sentiments with which his mind must have 
heen impressed, that without knowing the particulars of 
the event which the sculpture records, every one may 
discover he is a man arraigned, whose consciousness of 
right makes him bold, but not insolent. This group 
is judiciously connected with the first, by the introduction 
of a Secretary seated at a table, minuting down the order of 
the proceedings, as directed by the principal Commissioner, 
the Bishop of Chester. In a word, as an historical com- 
position, this story is treated in the most correct and 
masterly manner. The characters are well discriminated, 
expressive, and just ; the figures are critically understood, 
and as happily executed : the groups bear out with a 
well-regulated effect, and the Perspective is so scientifically 
adjusted, that all the objects of the composition approach 
or recede from the eye, and hold their proportions and 
places in the most orderly and correct manner possible. 
The principal figures in this subject are about eight inches 
high. 

Opposite the figure of Religion, is seated a naked boy 
weeping, his left hand employed in rubbing his eyes. Love, 
bewailing the separation of a tender pair, is in this figure 
finely imaged. The right hand of the little Genius supports 
an oval of black marble, on whose plane, is a profile head 

Q 



114 THE LIFE OF 

of the Bishop's Lady, in demi-relievo, with an inscription 
round it in gold letters. Beneath the subject in basso- 
relievo, are placed the arms of the See of Worcester, impaling 
those of his Lordship. To use an animated expression, 
which the subject may well excuse, the larger figures of 
this sculptural pile, have an air of life, and seem to want 
nothing but the vital fluid, and the Almighty's breath ; 
for mind and sentiment were certainly never more elicited 
from marble, with more forcible effect, than is found in 
this admirable production of modern art. We cannot but 
commend the grateful spirit of the gentleman who chose so 
able an artist, to give to posterity a just sense of his 
Lordship's worth. The memory of a Hough, seemed to 
require the hand of a Roubillac, to embrace the wide 
extended honors of his name, to hold them forth to public 
veneration, and preserve the full benefits of his illustrious 
example to the present and future ages ; an important duty, 
of which that accomplished artist has acquitted himself 
with infinite honour to his eminent talents. 

The whole is finished with a pyramid of fine grey marble 
as its ground, and the Monument is happily fixed at a due 
distance from the north window of the great cross isle, so 
that the effect of the chiaro-oscuro, is thereby rendered 
very beautiful : its height is about twenty-four feet. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



115 



There are few great men whose character may be taken 
from their epitaphs. Impartial history too often gives the 
lie to sepulchral marbles. The English history has 
embalmed it. Satire, that is wont to be unsparing of 
mitres, has acknowledged his to shine unsullied. But the 
poet and the historians give us only the idea of his public 
life. Of the private, as well as the public virtues of this 
excellent prelate, the record on his Monument, by the 
elegant pen of the late Dr. Tottie, Arch-deacon of Wor- 
cester, and inserted on the annexed plate, will form the 
most correct, as well as the most concise account that can 
be offered to the attention of the reader, as a faithful 
picture of the Man. 



q 2 



EXTRACTS 



FROM 

BISHOP HOUGH'S SERMONS. 

... 

Although there are few of Bishop Hough's Sermons, 
except those which were delivered on public occasions, he 
left a great many in manuscript, which were long preserved 
with much veneration among his relations and friends ; 
and after passing through some hands, were at last 
disposed of by the Executors of those who originally 
possessed them, to the great advantage of many of the 
Clergy in that neighbourhood, who appear to have set too 
great a value on them for their private use, to make them 
public. 

It i& to be hoped, however, that the fruit of the excellent 
doctrines and precepts which they contained, has not 
been entirely lost ; on the contrary, it is probable that it still 
continues, in various forms, to be distributed and enjoyed. 

It may not be unacceptable to give Extracts from a 
few of them, preached chiefly on public occasions, as 
specimens of his style and manner, though this must be 



BISHOP HOUGH 



117 



allowed to be a very imperfect way of judging of his 
abilities in the pulpit. 

In a Discourse before the House of Lords, on occasion 
of a Fast in April 1701, the Text being, Psalm cxxvii, 1. 

" Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain, that 
build it ; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh 
but in vain;"— he says, towards the conclusion, 

" Since neither Church nor State can prosperwithout God's 
blessing, let us do all that we can on our parts, to induce 
Him to take them under His protection. And in order to 
this, let us strenuously apply ourselves to the service of 
both, in such manner as is agreeable to the will of God, and 
in such measure as our respective abilities, and the circum- 
stances of our condition will allow. For though He build the 
house, yet others must labour, and the watchman must do 
his duty, though God keep the city. Let no passion, nor 
prejudice, nor private interest, steal in and mix themselves 
with our public cares, nor let any discouragements make us 
weary of a business wherein God co-operates, and from 
whom we look for success. Let the weight of all difficulties 
be sustained by the strength of our faith, and let our sincerity 
bear us above censure and reproach. But above all things, 
let us be careful to build after God's model, laying no other 



118 THE LIFE OF 

foundation than what He himself has laid, nor raising 
any other superstructure than what is agreeable to His 
Word. And that all this may be done more effectually 
let us sincerely discharge the duty of this day; let us 
humbly acknowledge our sins before God, and confess 
our unworthiness of His protection ; let us with shame 
remember the many and signal favours He has vouchsafed 
us, and the ungrateful returns we have made to Him ; 
let charity, good-nature, and the common cause of our 
neighbours, create in us a fellow-feeling of all their 
afflictions, that they may discern us to sympathize with 
them, and derive something of ease to themselves, by 
seeing us bear a part in what they feel. And lastly, let 
us pray earnestly to Almighty God, to shew himself in 
their relief, to restore them to liberty, and the quiet 
enjoyment of His Gospel, to let the light thereof shine 
upon all that remain in darkness, and to continue those 
inestimable blessings to us and our posterity for evermore." 

The following Extract is from another Sermon preached 
before the House of Lords, in November 1 700, being a day 
of Thanksgiving, Text, Psalm xxxi. 20. " O love the Lord 
all ye his Saints ; for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and 
plenteously rewardeth the proud doer" — " Give me leave now 
to make two or three inferences from what has been said, 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



119 



and so I shall conclude. And first, if the faithful are the 
persons whom God preserves, if the Saints only have, claim 
to his protection : then it is our principal interest to deal 
uprightly with Him and with ourselves ; the business of 
religion must be our serious care ; we must endeavour to 
understand and then hold fast the truth." * * * 

" A second inference to be made is, that if God preserves 
the faithful, then we must never forget that the work is 
His ; we must not transfer his glory, nor repose our 
confidence in any other arm. Men are too inclinable to 
fix their eyes upon second causes, and do not always look 
beyond them to the invisible hand that directs and governs: 
but if a General has wisdom and intrepidity, we ought to 
consider that God fills his breast with those glorious 
qualities ; it is He that gives them, nay, it is He that 
orders and makes them useful. If a band of men are 
possessed with resolution, so that they seem insensible of 
danger, and surmount difficulties, that humanly speaking, 
were insuperable, it is God that elevates their spirits, it is 
He strengthens their hearts — He leads them on ; they conquer 
first and wonder afterwards. This, I say, is the case, 
where nothing is evidently discernible but the conduct 
of the Leader, the good discipline of them that follow, 
and the courage of both : but how often is it seen, that 



120 



THE LIFE OF 



something falls out in the course of an enterprize quite 
beside, and above the first design. An error sometimes 
has proved fortunate, and too much care in others has been 
the occasion of miscarriage ; their own batteries have been 
turned upon them. , Thus we are accustomed to think, 
and thus we have learned to speak, but these are the 
operations of God ; it is by these means He is pleased to 
shew that He is the supreme director of affairs; that all 
events are in His hands, that he putteth down one, and 
setteth up another." 

" Let it not be imagined, I say this to lessen our 
obligation to those who have fought our battles ; for we 
cannot easily exceed in honour and acknowledgment to 
such as hazard their lives in the service of their country ; 
especially to those, upon whom the deliberative part is 
incumbent. How great is their care and solicitude 
whilst their projects are upon the anvil ? and who can 
express the impatient agitation of their spirits, the pangs, 
and anguish of their minds, whilst matters are in suspense, 
and the event doubtful. The least false step tarnishes 
their glory, and misfortune, even without fault, makes 
the ungrateful ready to cancel the merit of their past 
services ; so, that none but themselves, are able to tell 
us what they feel upon such occasions ; and it is almost 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



121 



impossible for us to set too great a value upon their 
labours; but still they are God's instruments; He is our 
Sovereign Benefactor — He is our Saviour and Redeemer." 

" A third, and the last inference I shall make is, that 
since God rewardeth the proud, we should be extremely 
careful not to enter into that character ; for if we do, we 
provoke him to leave our side, and our guilty consciences 
will tell us the fault is our own, when we find Him on the 
contrary part. And this caution is most necessary in the 
happiest season : for prosperity is leaven to the mind, it 
makes the passions work, and swells the desires ; leads a 
man oftentimes beyond the limits of modesty and justice, 
and sometimes transports him beyond all bounds to a 
vain presumption of his own strength, the surest presage of 
an ensuing downfal. But if we will secure God on our 
side, we must rest entirely on his protection, use no indirect 
methods of advantage, nor go out of the ways that he 
prescribes : we must not trangress the rules of Charity and 
Mercy, we must not forsake Truth and Integrity, we must 
not, in short, treat our enemies as they treat us ; but with 
prudence and circumspection, constancy and resolution, 
guard against their designs, and repel their injurious at- 
tempts : and, when that is done, keep always in a disposition 

R 



122 



THE LIFE OF 



to receive them as friends, when they are ready to repent 
and lay down their enmity. 

Which God of His mercy grant may soon come 
to pass, for the sake and through the inter- 
cession of his Son ; for the benefit of his Church, 
for the peace and quiet of Europe, and particularly 
for the advantage of our most Excellent Queen s 
dominions in their ecclesiastical and civil interests ! 
Amen, 

In a Charity Sermon preached at St. Bride's, on Easter 
Monday 1702, Text, Colossians iii, v. L — " If ye then be risen 
with Christy seek those things that are above, where Christ 
sitteth on the right hand of God. 

" This Epistle," he observes, " is an eminent instance of 
St. Paul's indefatigable pains to preserve the Faith ; and 
makes us sensible, with how much reason it was that he 
put the case of all the Churches into the catalogue of his 
sufferings for the Cross of Christ." 

After entering into a short Comment on the circumstances 
which led the Apostle to address the Colossians, he says, " By 
the things that are ' above/ are in general understood the joys 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



123 



of Heaven ; that life and immortality, which are brought to 
light through the Gospel, those things which are only spirit- 
ually discerned, and which nothing but a reasonable service 
can entitle us to ; and from the Text thus understood, we 
learn, 

" First, That the proper object of a Christian's pursuit, 
the things he ought to seek and labour for, are not to be 
found in this world. ' They are above/ 

u Secondly, That the true Christian life will discover 
itself in the tendency of our aims and endeavours : practices 
will be suitable to the principles from whence they spring, 
and therefore, St. Paul expects it as a reasonable evidence 
of a Christian's sincerity, ' If ye be , risen with Christ, seek 
those things which are above.' 

" Thirdly, That the strongest motive, and greatest en- 
couragement to this duty is, that the things we ' seek,' are not 
only where Christ is, but where he is vested with all power 
and honour, 6 Where he sits at the right hand of God.' 

" And, therefore, I shall in the Fourth and last place, 
instance, in some means, whereby we may arrive at this 
end. — It is the excellency of the Christian religion, that her 

r 2 



124 THE LIFE OF 

faith is the most sublime, and her precepts the most rea- 
sonable ; that both tend to the perfection of our natures, 
and both carry us to a compleat and adequate object of our 
desires. For this reason it is, that a Christian must be 
' above' the world, before he can come within the prospect 
of his reward ; and nothing ' in' the world comes up to this 
character. For a compleat and perfect object of desire or 
love, includes necessarily in it, these two qualifications: 
first, that it extends to the utmost stretch of our ideas 
concerning it, and secondly, that it have variety and always 
endure. It must first, I say, be at least equal to the idea 
we have conceived of it ; for otherwise, we are cheated 
in the fruition ; hopes and expectations are high raised, and 
sink at last in disappointment: it must, likewise, yield 
variety and always endure ; for otherwise, satiety will grow 
upon us ; the same things constantly, cannot always please ; 
the mind is restless, and will not abide where it can no 
longer make new discoveries ; but when it has turned a 
thing on all sides and seen through it, it presently flies off 
to a fresh object." 

" Apply we this, now, to Heaven and the world. In the 
presence of God, viz. in Heaven, is 'fulness of joy it is 
absolutely impossible to extend our imaginations so as fully 
to comprehend the smallest degrees of it, and ' at his right 
hand are pleasures for evermore pleasures fresh, and ever 



BISHOP HOUGH. 125 

flowing, a boundless store of wisdom and knowledge, where 
the active mind shall find itself perpetually taken up in new 
searches, brighter rays shall gradually spring in upon it, and 
the present satisfaction shall not hinder a constant progress 
in improvement and pleasure. And what now like this can 
the world afford ? What can it offer that does not cheat and 
baffle our expectations in the pleasures it promised ? Let 
the appeal be to those who have had the most experience, 
and they cannot but with shame and confusion own, that a 
w r eak reason and strong imagination give charms to the 
world, that are never found in it. How lifeless and insipid 
a thing is grandeur, to those that have been born to, or 
long enjoyed it? And how sick, oftentimes, are they of 
that pageantry and glitter which dazzle the eyes of lookers on 
at a distance ? They know and feel to be a burden, what 
others esteem their happiness to consist in, and History 
affords many examples of great men, who have thrown them 
off as an intolerable yoke, whilst the unexperienced have 
been contending who should next wear them. But, then, 
suppose the world to be at present as agreeable as can be 
imagined, will it always continue ? or will it always be new ? 
by no means ; so much the contrary, that nothing in its 
own nature is more uncertain and fugitive." 

" There must be a concurrence of many circumstances 



126 THE LIFE OF 

to make the world move easily with us ; but the least wheel 
out of order, puts a full stop to the machine ; an hundred 
things may obstruct our coming within the reach of what 
we aim at, and as many may prevent the enjoyment of it 
afterwards ; but if both succeed, yet it is certain they will 
come to an end, and generally speaking, to a very short one ; 
for there wants that variety that should keep up the relish 
of it : the same thing over and over palls the appetite, it 
grows into neglect, and at last becomes nauseous. A short 
survey carries the eye immediately over the whole continent 
of pleasure, where all the treasures and riches are carefully 
exposed to view ; and yet a miserable sterility appears, and, 
to an intelligent observer, a soil so unpromising, as utterly 
discourages the hopes of improvement, or discovery. And 
this shews the wisdom of the Christian's choice, who has 
judiciously fixed his heart 4 where true joys are to be found,' 
who by frequent meditation and abstraction from the world, 
has learnt to have c his conversation in Heaven,' whilst he 
lives upon earth, and who labours with all imaginable 
assiduity to entitle himself to those pleasures that shall 
never abate, either in their relish or duration. He makes it 
the great business of his life to strengthen his faith and 
weaken his appetites : by frequent and vigorous reflections^ 
to go, as far as he can, into the scrutiny of a future life, and 
get, if possible, a glimpse of those things, c that eye hath not 



BISHOP HOUGH 



127 



seen, nor ear heard and, by moderation, temperance, and 
a prudent self-denial, to withdraw every day more and more 
from those low and despicable enjoyments, which discover 
so much poverty and malignity in their nature ; and if he 
do not seriously and heartily do this, he takes up only a bare 
name and profession, but is not ' risen again with Christ.' 
For the true Christian life will discover itself in the tendency 
of our aims and endeavours ; practices will be suitable to 
the principles from which they spring ; and, therefore, St. 
Paul expects it, as a reasonable evidence of a Christian's 
sincerity, ' If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things that 
are above.' 

" -This is my second particular, and is so very obvious, as 
scarce to admit of any thing by way of proof and confir- 
mation. For if one that has too much already, still drudges 
on for more ; if he proceeds to add land to land, and money 
to money, to increase an heap that is already overgrown ; 
and in the mean time neglects to supply the necessities 
of his neighbour, nay, perhaps his own just occasions, shall 
such an one persuade us that his treasure is in Heaven ? 
we are better informed by seeing where his heart is. If 
he really sought ' those things that are above,' he would use 
these below in another manner ; he would endeavour to 
' make to himself friends of the mammon of unrighteousness,' 



128 



THE LIFE OF 



by applying it to those ends for which God had given it ; by 
decently supporting his family and his character, and liberally 
relieving the wants of other men. So when we see a man 
indulge himself in luxury and ease, and ' make provision for 
the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof,' shall we think he has 
a relish for spiritual things, or that his thoughts are 
turned toward them ? it is impossible, it cannot be." 

" As thought is of the essence of the mind, (for it cannot 
be, and not think,) so our words and actions will shew which 
way it is turned ; for c out of the abundance of the heart the 
mouth speaketh,' and the tree will certainly be discovered by 
its fruit ; and therefore, vain and empty pretensions are not 
only unprofitable, but foolish ; for as they do not recommend 
any one to God's approbation, so neither can they impose 
upon a considerate man." 

" I come, now, to my third particular ; that the strongest 
motive and greatest encouragement to us, c to seek those 
things that are above,' is not only that they are where 
Christ is, but where he is vested with all power and honour, 
4 where he sits at the right hand of God ;' and that for these 
reasons ; — because he is our Redeemer, our Saviour, and 
Mediator : because he makes amends for our defects by his 
own merits, and shall at last be our Judge." 



BISHOP HOUGH. 129 

After noticing other excellencies in our Saviour's character, 
he says, " The last encouragement to our religious endea- 
vours is, that Christ shall be our Judge ; and this gives life 
and spirit to them, for He whose compassion humbled him 
to the last degree for our sakes, He shall determine our 
eternal misery or happiness. He who knows the infirmities 
of our nature, who takes the will for the deed, and admits 
honest endeavours in lieu of perfect obedience, nay, He who 
at all times succours and assists us, it is He alone who has 
authority to say how far He will assist us. In short, He 
who is our Redeemer, our Intercessor, our brother, and 
our friend. He, who under all these titles, we may assure 
ourselves, will mitigate the rigour of Justice, and bring it 
down to the lowest pitch by his abundant Mercy and 
indulgence, He shall be our Judge; a judge who is only 
cloathed with justice, is dreadful ; and miserable man, under 
the sense of his own imperfections and the difficulties he 
must struggle with, must absolutely despair of eternal life, 
and lay aside the thoughts of it as a fruitless pursuit, if he 
expect the reward from such a hand ; but mercy and 
goodness keep his hopes alive, tenderness and compassion 
give warmth and vigour to them, and the wonderful and 
amazing proofs that Christ has given of his Lovej entirely 
dispel his fears, and turn his hopes into assurance, when he 
knows that his doom is to come from those gracious lips." 

s 



130 THE LIFE OF 

" I come, now, to the fourth thing I proposed ; which was 
to instance, in some measure, the means whereby we may 
arrive at our desired end, and which are requisite to all such 
as sincerely ' seek those things that are above and at present 
I shall only mention three, Contemplation, Prayer, and 
Charity. And, first, I say, contemplation is a proper 
means, whereby we 4 seek those things which are above it 
is, indeed, the principal means, whereby we seek the know- 
ledge and discovery of them ; but I speak now of the 
manner of seeking, so as to obtain them, for that is the 
import of the word in the Text." 

" A man is half cured of his folly, that can be brought to 
a serious consideration of it ; for the chief artifice of the 
world lies in amusing our minds, and keeping them in a 
hurry with change and variety of trifles, and affording as 
little intermission as possible for reflection ; and it is no 
wonder, that people fond of the pursuit of worldly plea- 
sures, are lazily content to be so dealt with ; for it must be 
confessed, they will find something painful and difficult in 
serious thinking, not only as it is properly and truly a labour 
of the mind, and requires close application and attention, 
but as it crosses the course of their inclinations, by dis- 
covering their false notions, confuting their weak reasonings, 
reproving their absurd practices, and calling them to a new, 



BISHOP HOUGH 



131 



and at first unpleasant method of thought and action ; for 
the change from one extreme to the other, from this visible 
and carnal world, to the invisible and spiritual, from these 
things below, to those that are ' above,' will not be effected 
without some reluctance in the beginning, and often looking 
back upon their old acquaintance. But the more difficultly 
men are brought to this, the more reason we have to press 
it importunately upon them, to beseech them in Christ's 
name to be reconciled to God, to think in time what they 
are doing, and whither they are going ; and if they will not 
be brought to this, they not only offend against the Gospel, 
but degrade themselves below their reasonable nature ; for 
with what face can they pretend to so noble a principle as that 
of an immortal soul, who resolve to be ignorant of its proper 
business, and wherein the dignity of its nature consists ! 
And if they will once set themselves to learn this, they will 
not be far from the kingdom of God ; they will then begin 
to perceive what are, and what are not objects worthy of 
their consideration ; the face of God will shine upon them, 
and as the soul makes higher flights, the contemptible world 
will dwindle and vanish ; new scenes will open and disclose 
themselves, and they will quickly come to be experimentally 
convinced, that an habit of thinking in this life is previously 
requisite to a life of contemplation hereafter." 

s 2 



132 THE LIFE OF 

" A second means, whereby ' we seek those things that are 
above' is prayer. This is, indeed, in some measure, an anti- 
cipation of the future life, and entering into possession of 
celestial joys ; for by this we make the nearest approach to, 
and are admitted into conversation with god himself. Con- 
templation only gives us, (if I may be allowed to express it so,) 
the prospect of Him at a distance; it seems to set Him before 
us, rather as an object of the understanding than the 
affections ; but Prayer brings Him close to us, gives us a 
full and distinct view of his infinite perfections, enables us 
to discover every day more and more, how adorable, how 
amiable, He is ; we taste and feel as the Psalmist expresses 
it, that the ' Lord is good, that He only is good ;' and from 
experience we come to find, that nothing can give a true, 
substantial, lasting pleasure, but the enjoyment of Him. 
By this means, we secure to ourselves the concurrence and 
co-operation of his Grace, and in the most effectual manner, 
prevent the danger of ever being surprized or overcome by 
temptation ; for then we can say with St. Paul, ■ We can 
do all things through Christ, that strengthens us;' then we 
shall be able to ask with confidence, as he did, ' Who shall 
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus 
our Lord ?' What obstacles, what distresses, what tempta- 
tions, what powers, are able to interpose between Him and 
us ? None of these things can prevent that blessed union, 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



133 



when God himself is pleased to favour it, and that he cer- 
tainly and undoubtedly does, so oft as the soul, in the sense 
of her own weakness and impotence, has recourse to him 
for succour. Of all others, Prayer is the most likely thing 
to purify our hearts, and from hence we know is the source 
and spring of all our irregular desires." 

" The third means, whereby, ' to seek those things that 
are above,' is charity ; this is that immortal virtue, that 
shall outlive the rest, that shall accompany us to Heaven, and 
there become the business of the place ; and therefore, it is 
no wonder if it be absolutely requisite here, to all that will 
maintain a title to that future inheritance." 

" The word Charity, in Scripture, does often comprehend 
our whole duty to our neighbour ; but strictly speaking, it 
is that affection of the mind, whereby we are kindly 
disposed towards all men, and ready to supply them as 
occasion may require, and our abilities permit, with such 
things as of common right they could not demand ; and 
this affection alone is Charity, and acceptable to God : when 
nothing more is in our power, we are really charitable, 
when we wish well to those whom we cannot assist, and 
pray to God to be their benefactor. But if we, indeed, 
have this virtue, it will demonstrate itself in actions as oft 



134 



THE LIFE OF 



as it can ; for good offices flow from it necessarily, as effects 
from their causes ; and whenever any man forbears to do 
good to another when it is in his power, we may infallibly 
be assured, he wants the principle from which it should 
spring; and that no man may deceive himself and think 
he has Charity when he has not, it is always easy for 
him to examine his own heart, and truth will manifestly 
discover itself. Let him ask, whether he sincerely wishes 
well to all men, whether he heartily rejoices in their welfare, 
whether he contributes to it as often as he has opportunity 
and ability, whether he does it to their minds as well as 
their bodies, with relation to the future, as well as the 
present life ? and if his heart can honestly answer to these 
questions, he is a truly charitable man, and will reap the 
fruits of that admirable virtue, both here and hereafter. It 
is by this alone, that we can demonstrate our love to God, 
and without it, He will accept of no other testimony ; for, as 
St. Paul tells the Corinthians, 6 Though I give my body to be 
burned and have not Charity, it profiteth me nothing;" this 
sounds something strange, for our blessed Lord, the great 
example and author of love, has told us, c that greater love 
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his 
friend:' and what can I do to gain belief, if it be not suffi- 
cient to seal the truth with my blood ? Why, St. John 
tells you, in a very short word, ' Love your brother :' this. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



135 



a ad nothing else without it is evidence in the case ; for he 
that says, 6 1 love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar.' 
A man may be a martyr to his pride or his humour, and 
something of this kind St. Paul supposes in the present 
instance; he had been bred amongst the Pharisees, the 
greatest pretenders in the world, and he had seen pretences 
of sanctity and zeal carry men a great way, where true 
religion was not at the bottom, many times to the hazard, 
and sometimes even to the giving up of their lives. But 
let them be carried as far as they would, they were not 
actuated by the love of God, if it did not appear in their 
love to mankind. Let us therefore, my brethren, manifest 
our love to God by our love to his offspring; we are 
members one of another, and ought, nay, indeed, can scarce 
forbear, to have a fellow-feeling for each other's infirmities : 
whenever, therefore, we discern a man's wants in any kind, 
let us relieve him, or rather let us relieve ourselves, for if 
we have humanity, we must be touched with them. Freely 
we have received, let us freely give. It is applicable to 
temporal as well as spiritual goods. God has honoured the 
rich in this world, with the title of his Stewards ; but if they 
do not dispense what He has entrusted them with, according 
to his intentions, they are false and unfaithful ; the Office is 
ministerial, the goods are not their own and must be 
accounted for." 



130 THE LIFE OF 

" Charity is a word of a large extent ; and as we seldom 
see any body that is entirely destitute of it in all its parts, 
so we rarely find a man that practises the several parts of it 
with an equal tenor. Some are very free of their advice 
and instruction, have great compassion upon ignorance and 
folly, and we must own, it is a noble charity to relieve them ; 
but these men can look upon the bodily wants of their 
neighbours with less tenderness, and give us too much cause 
to suspect they are liberal in the other kind, because it costs 
them nothing. On the other hand, it is no uncommon thing 
to see people free of their purses, ready to distribute, and 
willing to communicate, where misery and distress call for 
their aid, and this too must be allowed to be praise-worthy ; 
but if we perceive them, at the same time, to be unconcerned . 
for their spiritual and intellectual wants, it is a manifest 
indication that the virtue is complexional ; we cannot choose 
but reflect, that this is more likely to spring from vanity and 
ostentation, or a natural tenderness of mind, than from the 
divine and reasonable principle of Charity, which has a 
suitable regard to exigencies of all kinds according to their 
nature." 

u And here, I cannot forbear to observe, to the immortal 
honour of this City and her Magistrates, that Charity in its 
true latitude, seems to have been cultivated by her, with as 



BISHOP HOUGH 



137 



much application, as by any society whatsoever. Piety and 
virtue have always shared in her care, and in spite of the 
degeneracy of the present age, she has carried on her 
endeavours for reformation of manners seriously, and in 
some measure successfully : God of his mercy strengthen 
the hands of all those that take pains in so good a work, and 
grant that they may every day get ground, and see, and 
rejoice in the fruit of their labours !" 

u The munificence and liberality of the City is seen in 
her public Foundations and Hospitals, and here provision is 
made for the mind as well as the body ; the intention of the 
Benefactors is honourably pursued in the execution, and the 
care of the Governors is a charity not much inferior to the 
bounty of the donors." 

After enumerating and forcibly recommending the different 
Charities in the City, he concludes, u And may it please 
Almighty God, to enable those who undertake such works, to 
surmount all the difficulties that cross their design ! then 
will they have, (what one would wish to every good and 
public-spirited man,) the comfort of their labours in this life ; 
and, when that is at an end, those labours will conduct 
them to the joys that are above, and that will for ever 
remain. Amen. 

T 



EVENING PRAYER. 



THE following Prayer of Bishop Hough's composing, will form a proper addition 
to these Extracts. It was written for the Hospital of the Lady Catherine 
Levison, at Temple Balsal, in the county of Warwick, incorporated by an 
Act 1st. of Queen Anne, according to the Will of the Foundress, for the 
maintenance of poor widows, and poor women not married, with power for 
the Governors to name their successors, the Lord Bishop of the diocese for 
the time being to be one. There is a Chaplain likewise, who is directed to 
read the Scripture, &c, twice every day ; and the following Prayer was 
composed by Dr. Hough, for the use of the Women who are admitted into 
this Hospital. 

O Almighty god, whose mercy is over all works, 
and who, in the course of thy Providence, hast been pleased 
to bestow thy blessings more abundantly upon some persons, 
that they may supply the necessities of others ; we yield 
Thee unfeigned and humble thanks for thy great goodness 
towards us, in disposing the heart of our Foundress, the 
Lady Catherine Levison, to erect and endow this charitable 
Foundation wherein we live. It is from thy Grace we derive 
her bounty, and find ourselves supplied with all things 
necessary to a comfortable subsistence. Make us, we be- 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



139 



seech thee, in some mesaure worthy of it, by enabling us 
to pursue her pious intentions. Grant that we may have a 
constant regard to those rules and orders, which she has 
enjoined us to receive and obey ; that we may be quiet and 
peaceable among ourselves, cheerfully disposed to be helpful 
to each other, honest in our dealings, virtuous in our dispo- 
sitions, and always careful to give none offence, in word or 
deed ; and this, O God, we beg for the merits of thy blessed 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



t 2 



LETTERS 



OF 

BISHOP HOUGH. 

IN publishing the Letters of Bishop Hough, it seems 
desirable to give a sketch * of his connection and alliance 
with two Families who are frequently mentioned in them; and 
likewise of the two Ladies, to whom many of these Letters 
are addressed. They appear to have been women of exemp- 
lary virtue and superior endowments ; and it is to be re- 
gretted, that their part of the correspondence has not been 
preserved. 

There are not many of his Letters preserved, whilst he was 
Bishop of Oxford; though it appears from the following, that 
when in London, he corresponded with Dr. Charlett, of Uni- 
versity College, who had succeeded in 1 692, to the Mastership 
of that College ; but the dates are not all of them retained. 



See the annexed Plate. 



142 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER I. 

December 9th. 

SIR, 

I am glad to hear the Exercise was so well performed on 
Thursday last. Neither you, nor the Vice-chancellor say, whether 
you are about printing it or not, but I hope you are not ; it is really 
an unnecessary charge, and signifies nothing. ' I have no news to tell 
you, only if you have been deceived by one of the scandalous prints, 
which says, the King was pleased to remove Sir William Trumbal out 
of the Secretary's office, I can assure you it is false ; for he resigned 
the Seals voluntarily, and might have kept them longer if he would. 
It is said, the King has invited the Princess, (when she is well again,) 
to come to Kensington and keep a Court there two nights in the week, 
where he will appear with her and receive the ladies. 

I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and Servant, 

JO. OXON. 

To the Rev. Dr. Charlett, 

Master of University College, 
Oxford. 

LETTER II. 

February 8th. 

SIR, 

Your Letters came to me on Friday last, and I must 
acknowledge I do not make so much haste to own the receipt of them, 
as perhaps you may expect ; but I am willing to stay till I have some- 
what to tell you, which every day does not afford. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



143 



The Lords sat yesterday and to day, till almost six at night, and the 
subject matter of their debate for the three last days has been, whether 
their Lordships were of opinion, that the Dutch Guards should be 
kept on for one year ? I will not tell you who were pro and con, but 
at last it was carried in the affirmative by fifty-four against thirty- 
eight. 

You will see the Address of the Lords, with his Majesty's answer in 
print. I will only observe to you, that, whereas the Lords thank the 
King for the gracious expressions in his Speech, it is taken to imply, 
that they could not thank him for the whole, but only for such pas- 
sages as they liked ; and if you consider that, you will think the King's 
turning these words upon them in his answer is smart enough. 

I am, in haste, 

Your obedient Servant, 

JO. OXON. 

LETTER III. 

January 28-9th, 1 695-6. 

SIR, 

I should last Post have owned the receipt of your's of 
January 23rd, but that company prevented me. Yesterday Dr. 
Mauder did me the favour to bring me Dr. Edward's book, which I 
read with a great deal of pleasure — I have put a charge to the printer, 
that he punctually observe all Dr. Ws. emendations in his next 
edition of the letter, and have likewise transmitted to him the paper 
that came last Post. 



144 



THE LIFE OF 



Dr. Woodraff presented his Petition and Proposal to the King about 
eight days since — The King gave them to the Duke of Ormond, and 
he has transmitted them to the Vice-chancellor, (as I take it,) on 
Thursday last. You may be sure his Grace will suffer nothing to be 
done in it, but as the University shall approve. Yesterday, with 
much struggling, we got the Bill of small Tithes to pass in the house 
of Lords ; it will be of great benefit to poor Vicars ; but it was vio- 
lently, and with very invidious arguments, opposed by some that 
would be thought the Church's best friends. 

The Town says, Lord Guilford is to marry Miss Greville very soon ; 
but I ask no questions, and therefore can only tell you common 
report. I have not yet received the letter you mention, concerning 
Bonds of Resignation. I should be glad to see what is to be said 
after the Bishop* of Worcester on that subject. 

Be pleased to present my humble service to Mr. Principal of Jesus, 
and thanks for his book. 

I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and humble Servant, ^ . 

JO. OXON. 

To the Rev. Dr. Charlett, 

Master of University College,, 
Oxford. 



* Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, 



The following Letters were written^ whilst he was in the See 

of Lichfield and Coventry. 



LETTER IV. 

i. 

February 27, 1699- 

SIR, 

Dr. Gregory brought me the favour of your Letter, and 
the assurance of your good health, which was very welcome to me ; 
your Projector for an Academy of Exercise in the Universities is utterly 
unknown to me ; nor am I one of those Heads that have given him 
encouragement : on the other side, (to confess my mind freely to you,) 
I do not believe it is possible to effect such a thing, under any regu- 
lations whatsoever, without prejudice to the Universities ; and could 
we but revive ancient discipline, and make young gentlemen carry 
away a little of what they are sent to us for, viz. good learning, good 
manners, a reasonable insight into the grounds of their religion, and 
a habit of obedience to their superiors, I am persuaded, that neither 
they, nor their parents, would think they had lost their time amongst 
us, or complain, that we did not make them what the Town calls fine 
gentlemen. 

You will easily imagine, that the vote of the House of Commons 

u 



146 THE LIFE OF 

yesterday, was not very welcome to Kensington ; but I doubt we shall 
hear more anger from St. Stephen's Chapel. 

I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and humble Servant, 

JO. LICHFIELD and CO. 

To the Rev. Dr. Charlett, 

Master of University College, 
Oxford. 

LETTER V. 

March 11th. 

SIR, 

I have received your letter, and am much more confirmed 
in my opinion, since it has the concurrence of those you mention ; and 
I am confident, that whenever the experiment is made, that also will 
become a proof on our side. 

I know you hear from Dr. Gregory every post, and that he does not 
fail to give you an account of his own affair ; it sticks at present, and 
the Bishop of Salisbury, who is heartily concerned for him, is chagrined 
about it ; but I hope the rub will be got over : though, (as you ob- 
serve in the close of your letter,) very ill offices were done from Oxford: 
I would not know the persons if I might ; but would to God they had 
either better judgments, better natures, or larger views! 



I thank you, Sir, for the account of what is doing in the press, and 



BISHOP HOUGH 



147 



for the inclosed papers : the only news I can give you in return is, that 
the Dean of Lincoln is dead, and Dr. Campion succeeds him. The 
disposal was quick ; otherwise, there would have been many competi- 
tors, and a mighty struggle for it. The Duke of Norfolk's bill, is at 
last gotten through the House of Lords, and I believe will pass easily 
in the other House, though the Lady says she has a great many friends 
there. 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and faithful humble Servant, 

JO. LICHFIELD and CO. 

For the Rev. Dr. Charlett, 

Master of University College, 
Oxford. 



LETTER VI. 

April 12th, 1707. 

SIR, 

I am very much obliged to you for your kind reception 
of my kinsman, and for prevailing with Dr. Hudson to undertake the 
tuition of him : so learned a tutor, will, I hope, prevail upon him to 
love a book ; and a gentleman that does so, is out of the way of a 
multitude of temptations to which idleness exposes him, and is likely 
to be useful in the world. 

I heartily thank you, Sir, for your kind present of the two letters : 

u 2 



148 



THE LIFE OF 



since your Oxford one undergoes such a variety of censures, a man in 
common prudence should keep his opinion of it to himself : but I 
must needs say I value it ; and to speak my mind freely, I think one 
cannot well treat the Reformed, abroad, with too much tenderness, or 
the Dissenters, at home, with too much plainness. 

I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and humble Servant, 

JO. LICHFIELD and CO. 

LETTER VII. 

Eccleshall, June 19th, 1714. 

SIR* 

You have sent me a very just character of our most 
valuable friend, and I return you my hearty thanks for it. The 
Orator has done his part with judgment ; and shewn himself to be an 
ingenious, a sensible, and, (which is abundantly more,) a grateful man. 
I little thought when the President f was last in London, that he 
had taken a final leave of the place : for of all our acquaintance, he 
seemed the most likely to have held out to the age of his prede- 
cessor. A firm constitution, with regularity and temperance, in a 
man who was easy in his mind and fortune, who had his passions in 



* There is no address to this letter. 

f Dr. Turner, Rector of Corpus Christi College. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



149 



subjection, and was extremely well-guarded against other men's, pro- 
mised a longer life than he has proved : but perhaps it is most desirable 
to die as he has done ; he has parted with life before it became a 
burden ; he has left friends behind him to do justice to his memory, 
and he has escaped the mortification of seeing them go before him. 
I heartily pray for the continuance of your health, and am, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Brother, 

and obedient Servant, 
JO. LICHFIELD and CO. 



LETTER VIII. 

To Lady Rachael Russell \ Widow of Lord William Russell, 

beheaded in 1683. 

London, July 27th, 1717- 

MADAM, 

I should have done myself this honour long since, 

could I have had the vanity to think I knew any thing which would 

not come to your Ladyship by better hands ; but you, Madam, have 

account of the most important matters from persons who cannot be 

deceived ; and I am sure you are above the relish of those common 

things, which supply the news and conversation of the Town. 

* 

I cannot, however, leave this place, (which I purpose to do on 
Monday next,) without presenting my most humble respects to your 



150 



THE LIFE OF 



Ladyship, and my sincere prayers to Almighty God, for health and 
happiness to yourself and all yours. 

I leave a place which is now pretty empty, since the Royal Family 
went to Hampton-Court, where the public manner in which the King 
lives, makes it the rendezvous, not only of the ministers and great men, 
but of people of all ranks and conditions. He dines openly, and 
with company every day, and the novelty of the sight draws a mighty 
concourse. After so long a reserve, we may easily imagine how great 
a constraint he puts upon himself, but he certainly does a right thing ; 
for by this means his face, (which speaks nothing but what is great 
and good,) will not only be familiar to his people, but he will enter 
into a degree of intimacy with the nobility, above what could be 
arrived at in the Cabinet or Drawing-room. Would to God it might 
prove the happy occasion of bringing him and the Prince to a better 
understanding !* for upon that depends the establishment of our 
peace ; and we have already felt how much the want of it has shaken 
us : but there does not seem to be any appearance that way ; this still 
continues to be the dark side of our prospect, and were it not that 
God has already carried so many threatening clouds over our heads, 
one would dread to think how heavy this may fall. I am now going 
to a place, where I resolve to make as few of these reflections as is 
possible, for they are attended with anxiety of thought, and raise 



* This difference is said by Tindall, to have been occasioned by the Prince resenting and using 
some harsh words to the Duke of Newcastle in the King's presence at the Baptism of Prince George 
William in November, 1 747 ; but it appears from the date of this letter, and from Lord Orford's Remi- 
niscences, Vol. iv., p. 287, that there had been, prior to this, other causes of misunderstanding betweec 
them. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



151 



apprehensions of danger, which by an hundred ways unforeseen to us, 
Providence may please to disappoint : but I mention them to your 
Ladyship, because I know you to be one of those very few who can 
make a right use of them, by using them as occasion of fervent prayer 
for the public welfare, without suffering them to raise a passion, or 
disturb your mind. 

Give me leave, Madam, to wish you all the happiness your own 
soul can desire, and to profess myself, as I do, with great humility and 
truth, 

Madam, 

Your Ladyship's most obedient 

and humble servant, 
JO. LICHFIELD and CO. 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to good Lord 
Gallway. My wife's humble duty attends your Ladyship ; and we are 
both full of acknowledgment for the fine venison you were pleased 
to send us. 

LETTER IX. 

December 29th, 1733. 

MY LORD, 

St James's Evening Post informed me of the day, 
when Mr. Vyse became happy in his relation to your Lordship. The 
match I am told is very equal ; for as he is valuable in all respects, 



152 



THE LIFE OF 



so the young lady is every way desirable, both in her outward person 
and inward accomplishments : they are qualified to be soon dear to 
each other, and I pray God, that their mutual joy and your Lordship's 
comfort in them may be of long continuance. Birmingham is no 
despicable scene for learning, ingenuity, and exemplary manners, to 
shew themselves upon ; the inhabitants will quickly be sensible of 
your care in the Rector you have given them, and be thankful for 
him : we all have pleasure in contributing to the advantage of our 
relations, friends, and dependants ; but the pleasure is exceedingly 
heightened when their merit claims it of us, and we appear but just in 
our choice, as is your Lordship's case in the present instance ; and I 
hope you will not want opportunities of doing so again. 

You and your whole family have the best wishes of, 
My Lord, 

Your Lordship's very affectionate Brother, 

and faithful humble Servant, 
JO. WORCESTER. 

To the Right Reverend Richard Smalbroke, 

Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry.* 



* This letter was written on occasion of the marriage of the Rev. William Vyse, M. A., with 
Catharine, one of the daughters of the Bishop, who conferred upon Mr. Vyse the Rectory of St. 
Philips, Birmingham. These two respectable prelates had been long acquainted and had a reciprocal 
esteem for each other. I was favoured with this letter by Mr. Vyse's son, my respectable friend Dr. 
Vyse, the present Rector of Lambeth, who likewise sent me an authentic copy of the letter to 
Lord Digby, communicated to Bishop Smalbroke by Lord Digby himself, indorsed in the Bishop's own 
hand. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



153 



LETTER X, 
TO A FRIEND AT OXFORD.* 

March 21. 

Sir, 

Your last speaks of something moved to the Vice- 
Chancellor concerning the Post, which you scarcely knew what to make 
of ; and I doubt you will not be much edified by what I can tell you 
of the matter. About a month since, Sir Thomas Tipping told me he 
was endeavouring to get the Post settled in the direct road to Oxford, 
and asked me what I thought of it. I thought it would be an 
acceptable piece of service to the University ; that, for my own part, I 
would rather have my letters but three times a week than every day as 
they now come ; but that my stay in Oxford was likely to be so short, 
that I should not be much affected in future, with any convenience, or 
inconvenience, of that kind. 

The clause for giving tithes and glebes in Ireland to the Church 
passed this day ; but I question whether we shall have the Bill before 
Easter. 



* This Letter is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. The year is not mentioned, but it appears to 
have been written in 1699. 

X 



154 THE UFE OF 

It is thought that the Duke of Norfolk's Bill will pass, and some 
think with a Fine. 

Your very affectionate Brother, 
and humble Servant, 
JO. LICHFIELD and COVENTRY. 



V The whole of the subsequent Letters in this Volume were written 
after Dr. Hough's Translation to the See of Worcester. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 155 

Letters* to Henry Townshend, Esq., of Elmley Lovett^ 
about a mile and a half from ffartlebury. 

Mr. Townshend was a Magistrate, and had married a daughter of Thomas 
Byrche, Esquire, of Leacroft, in the county of Stafford, and sister of Edward and 
William Byrche. He died in 1739, without issue, but left a sister Dorothy, 
married to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wanley, who dying in 1776, left the estate to 
the Rev. John Waldron, Clerk : Mr. Waldron was so good as to shew these 
Letters to the Editor, and furnish him with copies of them. 

LETTER XL 

Hartlebury, April 6th, 1730. 

SIR, 

Mr. Oliver waits upon you and the other gentlemen on 
the Bench, with an humble address from the inhabitants of Dudley, that 
you would please to recommend their Petition to the Lord Chancellor, 
for the assistance of a Brief in the building of a Church. They will make 
it appear to you how much they stand in need of one, and how unable 
they are to erect it themselves ; and as I believe their allegations to 
be true, I heartily beg your favour to them, and am, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WIGORN. 



* Some of the Letters to Mr. Townshend, have been already printed in the European Magazine. 

x 2 



156 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XII. 

SIR; 

Yours of the 22nd instant, was more than ordinarily 
welcome, for it restored ease to your friends and servants in this house, 
who, without a compliment, were sincerely troubled at a report 
(which came I know not how,) of your being dangerously out of 
order. We are most heartily glad to find that it proves groundless ; 
and you have our best wishes, that many, very many years may pass, 
before there be any reasonable cause for those who value and love you 
to be so alarmed. 

The newspapers tell us, that Lord Glenorchy* is preparing his 
equipage to go on an embassy to Moscow, and if my Lady goes with 
him, I beg you will tell her Ladyship that I am her faithful servant, 
and will not fail to pray for health and safety, and an happy return 
home, to her Lord and to herself. I have had a cold, but it gave me 
little trouble, and went off easily ; so that, with God's blessing, I have 
no apprehensions but that, at your return to Elmley, as you left, so 
will you find, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WIGORN. 



* John Campbell, Viscount Glenorchy, K. B., succeeded his father the Earl Bredalbane, and was 
often elected one of the sixteen peers of Scotland, to sit in the British parliament. He had been 
Ambassador to the Court of Denmark in 1762. 

Do me 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



157 



Do me the favour to present my most humble service to my Bro- 
ther* of Bristol, who I hope will meet with the utmost benefit he 
expects from the waters. 



LETTER XIII. 

February 13th, 1733. 

SIR, 

Hoping this will find its way to Birbury before you leave 
the place, I send it to present you with my best thanks for your kind 
Letter of the 5th instant ; indeed you could not have obliged me more 
than in letting me know that all under your roof were well, and par- 
ticularly that my dear cousin Biddulphf was delivered from her 
painful indisposition : I am sure I suffered in my mind, so long as I 
heard she was uneasy ; and now that she has recovered her health, I 
share with her in the pleasure. I most heartily rejoice, and pray it 
may continue till she arrives at my age, and many years beyond it. 
The last Post brought me the melancholy news of poor Harry Bos- 
vile'sj death, which you may imagine has put me under a good deal 
of concern ; for I have lost in him an honest, useful, and friendly man, 
and shall have some difficulty in finding out another, whom I may with 



* Dr. William Bradshaw, who succeeded Dr. Boulter in 1724. He died at Bath in December 1732, 
in his 60th year. 

t Wife of Simon Biddulph, Esquire, of Biibury, county of Warwick. She was daughter of Edward 
Byrche, of Leacroft, Esquire, Sergeant at Law. He died in 1736. She lived to the year 1755, and 
died at 95 years of age. 

X Probably an agent of the Bishop's. 



158 THE LIFE OF 

equal confidence employ, in transacting my little affairs in town : 
but the condition of this life unavoidably exposes us to such misfor- 
tunes ; and if God is pleased to lengthen our days, we must frequently 
expect to be shortened in one or other of the comforts and conve- 
niences, that are requisite to make them tolerably happy : but why 
should I trouble you with these unseasonable reflections, in a place 
where every body makes it their business to entertain you cheerfully ! 
I beg your pardon, and will add no more, except my heartiest love to 
all about you, and that I am, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 

LETTER XIV. 

January 3rd, 173o. 

Sir, 

You had a letter from Miss Betty* by Monday's Post, 
which made me stay some days longer than I intended, before I gave 
you my thanks for yours of December 25th. I am not at all pleased 
to hear that you feel any thing of the indisposition that carried you to 
Bath. I hope it was a very gentle remembrance and soon over, for I 
care to hear no more of it : tell me as much as you will of other 
people's ailments ; but when you speak of yourself, I expect you to 



* Mr. Townshend's sister, who was staying with the Bishop at Hartlebury. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



159 



say, (in the language of this place,) "I am very well otherwise, I shall 
think the wholesome water and good company you enjoy ill bestowed 
upon you, and wish you were doing penance at Hartlebury. I shall 
very soon miss you more than ordinary: for ourOmbersley* neighbours, 
who were here on Tuesday last, will leave the country on Monday 
next, and Sir Thomas Lytteltonf will not be long after them. The 
rainy weather, which we have had without intermission ever since you 
left us, has, I thank God, had no worse influence upon me, than to 
make me use my handkerchief very frequently ; nor do those about 
me complain more than myself. We meet at Prayer, at dinner, and 
after supper ; we keep together till the usual time, and have the plea- 
sure next morning of seeing each other as well as when we parted : 
this has been the case with us hitherto, but it is not likely to hold ; 
for your brother Byrche^: has a foot that threatens to confine him ; we 
should not want him among us, were we happy in the good company 
we did not use to fail of on New Year's day ; but his absence breaks 
a set at quadrille, which in this gaming season is, you know, of no 
small consequence — I wish nothing may interrupt your diversion at 
present, or hereafter hinder you and the ladies from enjoying many 
happy years in perfect health. 

I am, Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c. ? 

JO. WORCESTER, 



* The seat of Samuel Sandys, Esquire, afterwards in 1743 created a peer, married Letitia, eldest 
daughter of Sir Thomas and Lady Tipping, 
t Of Hagley in Worcestershire. 

X Mr. Townshend's Wife, was the sister of Dr. Byrche, Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester. 



160 THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XV. 

January 17th, 1735. 

SIR, 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing it under your 
own hand, that you and the ladies were free from indisposition. I have 
nothing more to wish on your account, but that you may long, very 
long, be so ; and if Bath promises further security, your friends here, 
how much soever they want your company, will contentedly exercise 
their patience. What they suffer will be recompensed in a com- 
fortable meeting, and we shall enjoy ourselves heartily in the mean 
time, and, (I speak of those under this roof,) will wear out our conver- 
sable hours in kind remembrances, and agreeable expectations. Miss 
Betty is so well and so cheerful, that in good earnest we do not quite 
miss Elmley. The affairs of that place are always in her head, and 
if she does not say it in complaisance to me, who have ever professed 
enmity to the apple-trees, she thinks those which are down look best. 
I own myself ungrateful, drinking at this very time of their produce, 
the best, without a compliment, I ever tasted ; but they stood in my 
way and I could not let them be quiet. News comes to Bath from 
all quarters, earlier than a friend can send it ; you expect nothing of 
that sort from me, nor shall you be troubled with any thing more at 
present, from 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



161 



LETTER XVI. 

December 16th, 1735. 

SIR, 

I can give you no particular account of Mr. Vernon's* 
Will, having seen nobody who was at the opening of it, and I believe 
you understand more of it than I do, as Mr. Robinson may very 
probably have received a copy, or at least minutes of it ; only this I 
can tell you, that Mrs. Vernon is sole Executrix, that Lord Coventry f 
and Mr. Bromley X are Trustees, and that in general, the Lady and her 
Daughters are thought to be handsomely provided for. I am told the 
Will was not skilfully drawn, and several late Codicils have created 
perplexities ; but Mr. William Vernon went to Hanbury and assured 
the Lady, that, as far as his concurrence might be of service, he was 
ready to join in any measures to make her easy and prevent disputes: 
this is what I believe you did not look for. The Chancellor § has 
been confined some days ; he is not much out of order, but his leg 
troubles him again, and I fancy disposes him to excuse his attendance 
at Court, which in good earnest I never thought worth his while. 

Kit II presents his humble duty to you, and says that his cyder 
runs very low, having had a greater demand for it than ordinary ; we 



* Mr. Vernon died 1735, aged 52, leaving a Widow, 
f William, the sixth Earl of Coventry. He died in 1 SO9. 
+ Henry Bromley, Esquire, of Horsheath, Cambridgeshire. 
§ Dr Byrche, Chancellor of the diocese. 
[| Christopher Hariison, his butler. 



162 



THE LIFE OF 



perfectly well know the way to your cellar and visit it very often ; but 
we do not know what cask to fix on, and beg you will give us your 
directions. It freezes very hard and is bitter cold at this present 
writing; and I hope it will continue till good Mrs. Vernon and our 
Glasshampton neighbours, who are now upon the road, get safe to 
town. I am very glad to hear that the waters at least give you no 
occasion to dislike them. I pray they may have the utmost good 
effect upon yourself and the Ladies, and if I say I shall feel my own 
health more sensibly when you have yours, I dare say you will think 
it spoken with sincerity by, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



LETTER XVII. 

November 2nd, 1737. 

SIR, 

I am glad to hear you got so well to Bath, that Mrs. 
Townshend thought it a journey of pleasure. I expected you to have 
said Miss Betty did so too ; but if I guess right, she still feels it in her 
bones : by this time I presume you are settled in your lodgings, and 
I pray God you may find the utmost benefit the waters can give you. 
I did not imagine your first letter could give me any account of the 
company in the place ; but by this time you begin to grow acquainted 
with them, at least with their ailments and infirmities, and I hope the 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



163 



Duchess of Kent* meets with all the relief she looks for, that her dear 
and valuable mother may have pleasure in seeing it. 

Mr. Plowden f and his Lady have been both dangerously ill ; but 
are now on the mending hand. Every body at Hagley, (excepting 
Mr Richard, +) has been much out of order ; but I sent thither 
yesterday and hear better of them. I am quite free of my cold, and 
in every other respect well ; and always, 

Sir, 

Your truly affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 

LETTER XVIII. 

November 9th, 1737. 

Silt, 

You are always obliging, and never can be more so, than 
when you give me a good account of yourself and our friends. God 
be thanked you are all well, and may the waters be to you, as Lord 
Carleton used to say tokay was to him, after drinking which, he was 



* The second Wife of Henry de Grey, Duke of Kent, K. G., and Daughter of William Bentinck, Earl 
of Portland. Her mother was Jane, Daughter of Sir John Temple, Baronet, and Sister to Henry Temple, 
Viscount Palmerston. 

f A descendant of the famous lawyer, Sergeant Plowden, in Shropshire. William Plowden, of 
Plowden, Esquire, had married Mary, the Daughter of Sir Charles Lyttelton, and Sister of Sir Thomas. 
I Afteiwards Sir Richard lyttelton, K. B. 

Y 2 



164 



THE LIFE OF 



better than well. Since Captain Congreve* is under the same roof 
with you, and Mrs. Sandys at no great distance from you, that com- 
pany will never be far to seek, which I am sure is of all others the 
most agreeable to you. Lords and Ladies may come and go as they 
please, you will never miss them ; but I wish you had been known to 
Lady Portland before she went, for I am confident you would have 
thought of her as I do, another Mrs. Sandys. Lady Oxford f does 
her old servant a great deal of honour in remembering him, who 
sincerely prays for her health and every other blessing that may make 
her life easy and comfortable. Bath waters require time to shew 
their good effects, and therefore I will not ask at present, how far 
you and Captain Congreve have felt them ; but when a few weeks 
more have passed over our heads, I promise myself the pleasure of 
either hearing you commend them, or of seeing you from them. With 
kindest love and service to Mrs. Townshend, and best wishes to Miss 
Betty, I am, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



* Of Stratton, Staffordshire, of the family of Congreve the poet. The Bishop mentions this gentle- 
man in his Will. 

f Henrietta Cavendish, Daughter and heir of John Holies, Duke of Newcastle, K. G., married to 
Edward Harley, second Earl of Oxford and Mortimer. He died in 1741. The Countess in 1755. 
They left one Daughter, Margaret Cavendish, married to William Bentinck, second Duke of Port- 
land, K. G. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



165 



LETTER XIX. 

November 21st, 1737. 

SIR, 

Since we are informed of the Queen's* dangerous illness, 
all our prayers have centered in her safety, and when we reflect on 
the mighty importance her life is of to the Royal Family, and to us 
all, we scarce have a thought at liberty for our friends, or for ourselves. 
God grant the next Post may raise our hopes, which at present are at 
the lowest ebb ! for if Providence suffers what we dread to befal us, 
we have a very gloomy prospect, and cannot easily see to the end of 
our misfortunes. 

I am, however, thankful to you for your last letter, glad to hear of 
your health, and warm in my wishes for the establishment of it. Present 
my most humble thanks to the Countess of Oxford for honouring me 
with a place in her memory, and tell Captain Congreve, I expect to 
hear him speak comfortably of himself. I am, 

Sir, 

Very affectionately your's, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



* Queen Caroline, who died the twentieth of this month. 



166 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XX. 

December 5th, 1737. 

SIR, 

However Bath may have dealt with you in other respects, 
I perceive it has been kind in bringing you into acquaintance with 
some very valuable persons, and I am glad you have the pleasure of 
conversing with them. Lord Lymington's* character is superior to 
his quality or fortune ; and in Mr. Digby f you find, (besides probity 
and good manners,) a most sweet and easy temper ; the hereditary and 
reigning quality in his house : in such company you can want no 
other ; yet in good earnest, I am sorry you have them, who contribute 
so much to the honour and interest of their country at home. Present 
my best service to Mr. Digby, and tell him I hoped to have heard the 
French air had given him all the relief he expected from it ; and I 
would fain natter myself, that he seeks at present to have his health 
confirmed, not restored : but if he has any remaining indisposition, I 
am sure nobody prays more heartily he may be delivered from it 
than myself. Mr. Sandys and his Lady got safe home without any 
ill accident on the road. Mr. Townshend I am told thinks not of 



* John Wallop, Viscount Lymington, married Catherine, Daughter and sole heir of John Conduit, 
Esquire, of Cranbery, County of Southampton. He died in 1/49 before his Father, leaving John, 
afterwards second Earl of Portsmouth, and other children. 

f This must have been Edward, third son of the good Lord Digby, who dying before his Father in 
1752, his sons Edward and Henry, became the sixth and seventh Lords Digby, the last of whom was 
made an English peer in 1757? and an Earl in 1790. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



167 



Elmley till after Christmas ; but Captain Congreve gives us leave to 
expect him sooner, and he will be heartily welcome to, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER, 

We have lost an incomparable Queen, and I have heard some Lords 
named, as not inclined punctually to observe the orders concerning 
the Mourning. One whom you and I love is of the number, but I 
hope the report is not true. 

LETTER XXI. 

December 17th, 1737. 

Silt, 

Whilst you, Mr. Townshend, and Miss Betty are well at 
Bath, I know nobody that desires to see you elsewhere. Those waters 
are seldom, if ever, felt to advantage without perfecting the cure, if 
they may have leisure to do it ; and as Captain Congreve is of opinion 
you all are better than when you went thither, in the name of God, 
have patience, and think not too hastily of coming home. Mrs. Hall 
is very kind in the visit she designs me, and upon my word she shall 
be as heartily welcome, as if she brought her brother and sister along 
with her. We shall often remember them with pleasure, and wish 
health to them with a good degree of confidence, when we consider 
that they themselves are taking care to improve it. Mrs. Offley* 



* A Relation of the Vernons. 



168 



THE LIFE OF 



died on Wednesday last, and is to be buried at Hanbury this evening. 
The Chancellor is now at Worcester, and well ; but about a fortnight 
since he had a pleuritic disorder, that required the doctor's help to 
remove it. 

Every body in this house is heartily glad to hear, that all goes so 
well with you hitherto ; nor are they wanting in their best wishes, 
that good company, agreeable diversion, and every thing else, may 
contribute to give the waters their utmost efficacy. It is my duty to 
pray too, for God's blessing on you and the good Ladies, for the 
establishment of your healths, which I do with the warmth, and 
sincerity of a friend, and am, 

Sir, 

Your very affectionate Friend, &c, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



LETTER XXII. 

January 9th, 1737- 

Sill, 

Your last letter is the only one I have ever received 
since you went to Bath, without letting you know by the next imme- 
diate Post of the pleasure it brought me ; but the late season has so 
abounded with good wishes from all my acquaintance, that in my 
acknowledgments I have been forced to postpone such of my friends 
as allow me to treat them with the least ceremony ; I know you 
would take it unkindly if I did not reckon you in that number, and I 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



169 



have used you accordingly. I now am at leisure to tell you, that the 
news of your good health was more welcome to me than ordinary, for 
I had heard you were a little indisposed ; and though Lady Sundon 
says you must wait to feel the benefit of the waters, some time after 
you have left them, I cannot but be impatient to discover it sooner, 
and hope your next will tell me you already do so. Mrs. Hall is 
well and cheerful ; she has variety of company, for the house is top 
full, and about dinner time, I look for our friends from Ombersley, 
who purpose to set forwards towards London on Thursday next. I 
shall be very loath to part with them, Sir Thomas Lyttelton being 
gone ; and when they follow I shall have nobody within my reach, 
nor am I likely to see any of the Worcester people, who are in a road 
of entertainment amongst themselves. Mr. Blowden's son is landed, 
and the wedding likely to be soon over in that house, for the writings 
are ready when they please to execute them. You, with your good 
wife and sister, have my best wishes ; and now 1 have nothing more 
to say, but that I am, 

Sir, 

Very affectionately your's 

JO. WORCESTER. * 



* Mr. Townshend, to whom these Letters are addressed, died at Bath, October 1st, 1739. 



LETTERS 

FROM 

DR. HOUGH, BISHOP OF WORCESTER, 

TO LADY KAYE* 
LETTER I. 

Hartlebury, November 19th, 1726". 

MADAM, 

Your Ladyship is pleased to say my Letters help 
to divert your thoughts, which is the only reason I can think of, 
sufficient to excuse me for troubling you with them ; and I should be 
very proud, could I flatter myself that there was not excess of good- 
nature and good-breeding in so kind an acknowledgment ; but whilst 
you can be contented to read, I shall never want temptation to write ; 
and therefore, it will be for your Ladyship's ease, to be cautious how 
you give me too much encouragement. My constant residence in this 
place makes my rambles more frequent in imagination, and such of 
my friends as I have not the happiness of seeing, I cannot forbear to 
address ; the knowledge of their welfare is the utmost satisfaction they 



* Daughter and Co-heir of Sir Samuel and Lady Marow of Berkswell, in the county of Warwick, 
married to Sir Arthur Kaye, Baronet, of Woodsham, in Yorkshire. — Vide Plate of Alliances. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



171 



can give me, and were it not for this agreeable paper-intercourse, we 
should in reality be lost to each other: for absence and silence whilst 
they last, are but little short of deprivation. Mrs. Knightley kept me in 
long suspense of hope, that she would not be less favourable to 
Hartlebury than her sisters had been ; but delays are at last concluded 
in disappointment. I am told, indeed, that summer may bring me the 
happiness I have looked for, but people of my age cannot see so far 
before them. I find greater pleasure in hearing she is well, than in 
such an expectation ; and I pray God to confirm her health, upon 
which the honour and interest of her family so much depend. I 
believe your Ladyship approves her design of going to Winchester 
with her second son, w hich has all the appearance of benefit to him, 
and I am confident will not be without amusement, and satisfaction to 
herself ; for it is a very pleasant place, and yields to none in the 
kingdom, for the advantages which a gentleman may find there in his 
education ; and which, if he pleases to make a proper use of, will 
lead into one profession or other, that may soon raise him above the 
level of a younger brother. Mrs. Dobson's* conversation is what she 
reckons upon as her chief relief in that retirement, and the counte- 
nance of the Warden will go a great way in supporting the spirits of 
our young student, and disposing the Masters to use him well. 

I had a letter lately from Mrs. Wilmot,t whom your Ladyship hears 
often from, so I need say nothing of what is in it ; but I know you 



* Catherine, Daughter of Sir John Mordaunt, Baronet, of Walton, in the county of Warwick. She 
married the Reverend John Dodson, D.D., Waideno Winchester College. 

t Another of Lady Kaye's Sisters, Ursula, married to Robert Wilmot, of Osmaston, near Derby, 
Esquire. 



172 



THE LIFE OF 



heartily rejoice, as I do, in the good and dutiful disposition of her 
children, and the easy circumstances of her family, which are stronger, 
and more kindly cordials, than any that philosophy or medicine can 
prescribe either to mind or body, and happy is the place where they 
are found. 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to Lady Lewisham,* 
and shall take it for an honour, if my Lord will reckon me in the 
number of his servants, as I am, 

Madam, 

Your Ladyship's 

Most obedient faithful Servant, 

JO. WIGORN. 

LETTER II. 

Hartlebury, February 5th, 1726. 

MADAM, 

I humbly acknowledge the honour of your Ladyship's 
last letter, and hope the health that was then but newly restored to 
you, is now established ; if I am somewhat late, I beg leave to observe, 
that our deadest time in the country is when the Town is the scene of 
business ; for we then lose the conversation of our best neighbours, who 
are so taken up among themselves, that we seldom find amends in their 
correspondence. They leave the newspapers and votes to inform us 



* Her Daughter, who was married to Lord Lewisham, eldest son of the Earl of Dartmouth. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



173 



what passes above ; they are thought to afford us sufficient amusement, 
and we may descant upon them as we see good ; but they do not 
consider that we want something more authentic from themselves ; 
and as they are often silent and seldom tell us much, so we have less 
to tell them ; for it is they and their families that are the subject 
of country news. Your Ladyship, I believe, would smile to hear 
our wise political remarks ; but if I should relate them, I should 
much forget myself, whilst I was writing to one who extremely well 
knows how to employ her thoughts more usefully, and, when she 
pleases to turn them to public matters, has opportunities of knowing 
and judging at the best hand ; but we think that the conjunction of 
Germany and Spain strikes at the civil interests of all other potentates 
in Europe, but of great Britain especially ; and that our utmost 
efforts will be requisite to disconcert their measures. 

Lady Effingham* has soon been followed by Lady Temple, f whom 
I remember the most beautiful woman of her time, and in whom 
something of it remained and was visible to the last : if they have left 
any two behind them who are likely to live so long, and wear so well, 
Lady Mordaunt, % in my opinion, stands fair for one, and I guess who 
may be the other. 



* Elizabeth Dowager Lady Effingham, Daughter of John Rotherham, of Waltham Essex, Esquire. 
She died in November, 172G. 

f Mary, Daughter of John Knap, Esquire, of Weston, in the county of Oxford, Widow of Sir Richard 
Temple, Baronet, K. B. Their eldest Son, was Richard Viscount Cobham. The title, by limitation, 
came to his Sister Hester, created Countess Temple, who married Richard Greuville, Esquire, of Wotton, 
in the county of Buckingham. 

X Elizabeth, Daughter and Co-heir of Nicholas Johnson, of London, Esquire, married Sir Chailcs 
Mordaunt, of Messingham, Norfolk, who died in 1G64 ; having no male issue, the title of Baronet went to 
Sir John Mordaunt, of Walton, in Warwickshire, whose descendants, as well as himself, have often 
represented that county in Parliament. 



174 



THE LIFE OF 



We hear out of Herefordshire, that Miss Scudamore* is likely to be 
married either to the Duke of Dorset's son, or to Lord Foley ; and 
our Ladies, who think themselves very impartial, and no ill judges in 
such an affair, know not which of them to give her to ; if there be 
Grace in reversion on one side, there is Title enough on the other : 
Fortune has not been sparing of her favours in either family, though 
it is presumed that in which scale soever the young Lady throws 
herself, it will weigh down the other. The personal merits of the 
young gentlemen we must not in good manners compare ; they may, 
for aught we know, be equal ; but I hope I may, without offence, say of 
my neighbour, that as far as I have knowledge of him, I really believe 
him as likely to make a fine lady happy, as any other that can be 
offered to her. 

I do not yet hear, that Mrs. Knightleyj* is determined, whether she 
will go to Winchester or not ; and I fear her motions too much depend 
upon those of another person, who seems not very well to know his 
own, or at least not to give the best account of them ; indeed I shall 
be heartily sorry if it goes off, for there is great appearance of benefit 
to the young gentleman in it, and of ease and tranquillity to his good 
mother. There is a great deal of joy in Warwickshire, and very 
deservedly, for the birth of young Mr. Bromley's § son ; one of that 
family was here last night, and says the child is very likely to live, 



* The only Daughter and Heiress of James Lord Scudamore, of Ireland, and an English Baronet. 
She married Henry Somerset Third Duke of Beaufort, and was divorced in March 1743. Having no 
Children by the Duke, she married again to Charles Fitzroy, Esquire, who took the name of Scudamore, 
snd had a Daughter Frances, who married Cliarles Howard, the present Duke of Norfolk. 

f Her Sister Mary, married to John Knightley, Esquiie, of Ofi'chuidh, Waiwickshire. 

§ William Bromley, Esquire, M. P. for the Borough of Warwick. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 175 

and that no time will be lost in bringing him down, to prevent the 
ill-influence the town air might have on him. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER III. 

April 13th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

I have deferred my humble thanks for your Ladyship's 
last letter longer than I should otherwise have done, that Mr. Byrche 
might have the honour of presenting it; who is called up to West- 
minster-Hall upon a great trial at law, betwixt Sir Cloberry Holte* 
and Colonel Tyrrel,f about the Brereton estate. The Jury is to 
consist of Staffordshire gentlemen, and he could not obtain to be 
excused from being one. He was very averse to the journey, among 
other reasons, for fear of the small-pox ; and he has never been out 
of the country since his mother died. The Court and the Town will 
be new things to him ; and I hope he will meet with so many amuse- 
ments, as to put all apprehensions out of his head. 

When the King goes abroad, and the Parliament rises, the streets 



* Of Aston, near Birmingham. His Mother was Anne, eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Sir John 
Cloberry, of Winchester, Baronet. He died in July 1729, leaving two Sons, Lister and Charles, wh» 
were successive Baronets, but the title became extinct in the latter. 

f James Tyrrel, Esquire, of Shotover, Oxfordshire. He was afterwards a Lieutenant-General, and 
Governor of Gravesend and Tilbury Fort. 



170 



THE LIFE OF 



will soon grow thin, and your coaches have room to pass without 
jostling ; but there will still be smoke and dust in abundance ; and if 
my Lady Lawisham's circumstances will admit of it, methinks your 
Ladyship may consider, whether it will not be convenient for you to 
breathe a better and freer air than London is thought to afford, and 
to set yourself more at liberty than the ceremonies of that place will 
allow. Your health, Madam, is now, God be thanked, well restored : 
and when weather and ways are good, nothing is more likely to establish 
it, than moderate motion in easy journeys, and leaving all cares behind 
you, till you come to take them up again in New Bond-street. * Your 
Ladyship, I fancy, will suspect that I have an eye to my own advantage 
in this motion ; and if you do, I must honestly confess you are not much 
mistaken; for I promise myself that neither Derbyshire nor War- 
wickshire can so entirely engross you, but that you will be pleased to 
remember you have an humble servant at Hartlebury. Mr. Knightley 
was here last week, and I think is determined to live at Oxford whilst 
his son continues there ; but whether Mrs. Knightley goes to Win- 
chester or not, seems unresolved. He says it is to be left to herself, 
and I know her prudence will determine upon what is best ; but I shall 
be sorry if that inclines her to stay at home, where the younger son can- 
not have those advantages of education, which he might have in the other 
place ; and this is the critical time of his life in which they are to be 
obtained. Your Ladyship condescends to oblige me in many parti- 
culars of what passes in Town ; and I wish the country afforded any 
thing wherewith I might entertain your Ladyship ; but all our people 



* Lady Kaye's residence in town, then new and a fashionable part of the town, as the Vicinity i 
St. Paul's was in the Century preceding. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



177 



of quality are out of it, whose persons and families, with the accidental 
changes that happen in them, and the treaties that are among them, 
are the only subjects we can have of news. Lord and Lady Herbert* 
are indeed at home ; and if that deserving Lady be of your acquaintance, 
I know you will be pleased to hear, that her house, and the conduct of 
it, are as she thinks fit to order, which no doubt will be very well, and 
conduce to their mutual happiness. They are truly and unaffectedly 
civil and obliging to all their neighbours — are sincerely beloved and 
esteemed by them — and we have no small pleasure in seeing Ribsford 
(for that is the name of their house) agreeable to them both. Your 
Ladyship has, I suppose, heard of such a person as Miss Bosvile, f (for 
the names of great fortunes are often heard in conversation by those 
who do not know them ; and I am sure, in land and money, she has very 
little, if at all, less than 40,000). She is now in town — will be of age 
on May-day, and then mistress of her estate, which, out of friendship 
I have for her family, I heartily wish she may well dispose of, for she 
is really qualified to make a very good wife ; but if she falls into the 
hands of a Spark, who may be unkind to, or neglect her, she will be 
more unfortunate than many others, who have resolution and indiffer- 
ence to bear them up in such unhappy cases. I presume Lady 
Lewisham's time draws near ; and she shall have the daily prayers of, 

Madam, &c. 



■* Henry, Sixth Lord Herbert, of Cherbury. He married Anne, Daughter and Co-heir of Alderman 
Ramsay of London. He died April, 1730, leaving- one Son, Henry, who succeeded him, and married 
Mary, Daughter of John Wallop, Esquire, and Sister to the First Earl of Portsmouth ; dying- without 
issue, the title became extinct. 

f I have not been able to trace of what family this Lady was, there being many families of that name 
in the Counties of York, Stafford, and Kent. 

A A 



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LETTER IV. 

Hartlebury, August 2d, 1727. 

Madam, 

I most heartily rejoice with your Ladyship on account 
of Lady Lewisham's safe delivery, and pray that her son may be healthy 
and strong, and grow up to inherit the honours that will descend to him 
on the one side, * and all the good qualities which I hope he will derive 
from the other. I receive it as a particular mark of your Ladyship's 
friendship, that you were pleased to give me so early notice of this 
happy Providence to you, and beg leave to protest, that your nearest 
relations cannot feel themselves more agreeably delighted with it, than 
I find myself to be. The good young Lord has his happiness com- 
pleted in this blessing, and may the joy it gives him be uninterrupted ! 

I am glad your Ladyship thinks of going to Court ; and indeed the 
distinction with which her Majesty has always received you, would make 
it a fault to defer your duty. The rules of ceremony do, I take it, no 
longer confine you ; and if you suffer melancholy thoughts to do it, I 
must be allowed to say, you are to blame. This life is chequered with 
crosses and comforts ; and as it becomes us to bear the former with an 
humble and entire resignation, so it is expected we should relieve 
our minds in the enjoyment of the other. Both come from the same 



* The Honourable Arthur Legge, who died October, 1729. William, second Earl of Dartmouth, 
succeeded his Grandfather in his titles in 1750— titles which he adorned by many pre-eminent virtues ; 
and here the Editor cannot help shedding a tear over the early death of his excellent son, the late 
George, Earl of Dartmouth, who died in 1810, aged 55, and to whom he was indebted for these Letters 
to lady Kaye. his Great-grand-mother. 



BISHOP HOUGH, 



Hand, to which we stoop with submission when it corrects, and are not 
sufficiently thankful for the favours it extends, if they, in their turn, 
have not their kindly influence upon us. 

Poor Lady Doneraile* has worn out the best of her years under 
uncommon difficulties, and if her kind Father had not made provision 
for her maintenance, must really have been in want. Nobody can 
manage a madman, who was suffered to be at liberty, better than she 
did ; but it is happy for her to be delivered from such a yoke, under 
which she was brought by constraint against her will ; and if she has 
done nothing to hinder her from entering into the possession of her 
own inheritance, she may now spend the rest of her life in plenty and 
at ease. There was an iron chest in Devonshire with a very great 
sum of money in it, I think not less than ^£30,000, which he could not 
be prevailed with to put to any use ; I hope it is there still, and then 
the Lady will have her share. 

Be pleased to present my most humble service to the Lady in the 
straw, and to Mrs. Marowf from, 

Madam, &c. 



* Lord Doneraile died in July, 1727. The title is now extinct, by the death of the late Viscount 
Hayes St. Leger Lord Doneraile, without issue, 
f Elizabeth, another Sister of Lady Kaye. 



A A 2 



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LETTER V. 

October 23rd, 1727. 

MADAM, 

Methinks it is a great while since the 15th of August, 
the day on which your Ladyship's letter bears date, and it puts me 
out of countenance, when I consider how much in all respects it 
required my best and earliest acknowledgments ; but really I have 
been silent to all my friends since privilege of Parliament was out of 
date, and have thought it very unreasonable that they should be 
troubled with my letters, and pay for them too. 

I rejoice that your Ladyship is blessed with a Grandson, who is 
likely to be a lasting comfort to you : every one of our acquaintance 
whom I see, or hear from, speaks of him as a thriving, lively child, 
who may grow up to perfection in spite of the London air, and what 
is more dangerous in some families, but I hope, Madam, not in yours, 
the overtenderness of fond parents. I cannot forbear to say, that I 
am very glad he will be bred up near your Ladyship, and not among 
those who would have formed him to a disagreeable stiffness, which, 
whatever some people may imagine, is no advantage to, and I had 
almost said, no sign of, true quality. Health and length of days are 
I am sure wished to your Ladyship, by every body who has the honour 
to know you ; but I pray for those blessings to you, with a particular 
regard to the interest your little one especially has in them, that he 
may learn and grow habitual betimes, (before other impressions can 
take place,) in those charming virtues of courtesy, condescension, good- 
nature, and good-breeding, from the best example. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



181 



I have contented myself to hear of the splendid Coronation, without 
showing so old a face as mine in the Procession ; for where the utmost 
gaiety is set forth, such visible signs of mortality should not appear ; 
it is a good omen of future happiness, that no mischance or ill-accident 
lessened the pleasure of the day. Their Majesties are really such in 
their personal graces and accomplishments, as have been seldom seen 
together on the English or British Throne, and may they long sit 
there to their own immortal glory and the joy of all their people ! 

We are told that one appeared among the Lords more than ought to 
have done, who is said to have filled his father's place. Nothing is 
to be wondered at from one of his caprice, but how must it grieve his 
good father ! and how can one think on what he suffers, without 
lamenting the hardship of his case, and reflecting on the fickle 
condition of every thing in this world ? Honour, so eagerly sought for 
by others, came to him easily and uncourted ; but instead of any thing 
that might have afforded comfort and satisfaction, it brought nothing 
along with it but trouble and vexation. I would have no manner of 
ill befal the young gentleman ; but his ambitious expectation should 
continue many years, could the old one have the health and strength 
I wish him. 

Be pleased to present my most humble service to Lady Lewisham 
and to Mrs. Marow, to whom I am in debt ; but I beg you will assure 
her, that she shall not find among the Bankrupts, 

Madam, &c. 



182 



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LETTER VI. 

December 16th, 17 '2 7. 

MADAM, 

The last Letter your Ladyship honoured me with was, 
(like all others that come from your hand,) truly obliging ; for you were 
pleased to speak of yourself, and of those who are dearest to you, as of 
persons whom you believed me to have a sincere concern for : and we 
never think ourselves more kindly treated than when we are rightly 
understood. Your Ladyship gave me a real pleasure, not so much in 
describing a splendid Court, as in observing, that every face had gaiety 
and content in it. In my poor opinion, it is no small fatigue that they 
in the highest stations submit to, in receiving the complaisance and 
deference of those about them: but to desire love and esteem is inse- 
parable from human nature ; and as I really believe no Princes ever 
studied more than our own to gain the hearts of their people, it is pity 
but that they should sincerely have them. I dare not, however, flatter 
myself that the delightful scene will hold long, for we begin already 
to hear of uneasiness and muttering, which will grow louder as the 
11th of January comes on,* unless some hands be changed ; and mat- 
ters are not always mended that way. How outrageously brutish were 
the words which we are told were spoken to a Great Person at the last 
Masquerade ! It must certainly exercise his utmost patience to keep in 
his resentment, and make him thoroughly sensible how improper it was 
to expose himself to such usage. I protest I could not hear of it 



The meeting of Parliament. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



183 



without indignation ; but since it has been the occasion of putting an 
end to that senseless diversion, I can almost forgive it. 

If your Ladyship is acquainted with Lady Tipping,* I dare say 
you wish her happy in the enjoyment of the great estate her uncle 
Orford has left her. She is certainly the wealthiest Lady in England, 
(always excepting the Duchess of Marlborough,) and will not fail to 
have the highest titles laid at her feet, that any body is at liberty to 
bestow : but as she is a woman of good sense, and has been some years 
mistress of herself and her own fortune, she will, I fancy, consider 
well of it, before she comes into a different ceconomy. The last post 
brought me a letter from good Mrs. Knightley, who tells me she 
not only enjoyed the conversation of her friends in Town, but, from 
the pleasures she had among them, found her health restored, on 
which the happiness of her family so much depends, that no intel- 
ligence more agreeable can come from Offchurch. She is much 
pleased, (and indeed has reason to be so,) that her eldest son is settled 
at Oxford, and seems determined that the younger shall stay at home 
under Mr. Huddesford's care. I think he is as fine a youth as I have 
seen, and I cannot but wish that he may choose to qualify himself for 
one or other of the learned Professions ; but by the sprightliness of 
his temper, I suspect his inclination will carry him to either the court or 



* Ann, Daughter and heir of Thomas Cheek, Esquire, of Pergo, in Essex, married first to Sir 
Thomas Tipping, of Wheatfield, Oxon, and by him had two Daughters, Letitia and Catherine ; Secondly, 
to Lord Robert Russell, younger Son of William First Duke of Bedford, who died without issue. Her 
Uncle, Admiral Edward Russell, Earl of Orford, dying November, 1727, left her all his wealth, and had 
secured a Peerage, if she had left issue male ; but she died January 20th, 1727-8, leaving Only the 
above Daughters and « 'o-heirs ; Letitia, married to S. Sandys, Esquire, of Ombersley Court, County of 
Worcester: Catherine, to Thomas Archer, Esquire ; of Umbersley, County of Warwick. 



184 



THE JLIFE OF 



the camp ; and may the good principles he has been bred up in, be 
strong enough to set him above the vices or ill qualities that he must 
meet with in either ! 

I am, Madam, &c. 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to Lord and Lady 
Lewisham, and I pray God to bless the fine little one. 

LETTER VII. 

February 17th, J 727. 

MADAM, 

I have waited some days expecting Mr. Byrche* to 
fix the time when he hoped to be happy in the possession of his 
Mistress, and his last letter tells me it is agreed to be about the end 
of this month, with intention to leave the Town immediately : your 
Ladyship is pleased to tell me, that you design him the honour of a 
visit ; but whether Mr. Byrche's house on Mill Bank be not thought 
good enough, and sufficiently furnished for ceremony, or that the 
Lady declines her part in it, the motion is her's, and she must be 
obeyed. The Chancellor is sure to have the good wishes of his friends, 
and always reckons the ladies, with whom he had the happiness to 
spend some of his early years at Berkswell, among the chief of them ; 



* He was one of the Bishop's nearest relations by his Mother, and was also a relation of his Wife's, by 
various intermarriages. — Vide Plate of Alliances. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



185 



and indeed I promise myself that this change in his life will add to the 
comfort of it. He has a good .X'1000 a year in preferment ;* no part 
of it, or of his business, lying above ten miles from his house, which is 
a very good one and charmingly situated ; and when he has brought 
a sensible cheerful companion into it, what can he want but God's 
blessing in the enjoyment ? which, if I am not partial to him, his 
probity and good behaviour will entitle him to. 

Every body, Madam, speaks of your grandson, as of a lively, 
beautiful child, which is all that can be discovered at his age ; only 
where the outward case is fine, we commonly expect a jewel within, 
and are not often disappointed, when we are certain that no improve- 
ment or advantage will be wanting to make it shine : but will you 
pardon me if I take the liberty to suggest, that no care or charge can 
be too great, to provide that he may breathe a fresh and free air. I 
know not whether your Ladyship may have taken notice of it, but of 
late we have had account of the several ages of such as are comprised 
in the Bills of Mortality ; and are amazed to find, that a third 
part of them are children of two years old and under, so prodigious is 
the number of those who are perfectly stifled in London by the 
unwholesome vapours they draw in, too gross to circulate through 
their fine and tender vessels. I most heartily pray you may never 
lose so valuable a comfort as your little one, and from a long 
observation can with confidence aver, that the nicest provision you 
are able to make for his health, will not equal the benefit he may 
receive from an open, clear air. 



* He had the Living of Fladbury, in Worcestershire, as well as the Chancellorship of the Diocese. 

B B 



ISO 



THE LIFE OF 



When your Ladyship bestowed your kind wishes upon Lady Tip- 
ping, you little imagined how few days she had to live ; if report be 
true, her wealth was greater than we thought ; but whatever it was, it 
is no longer a bait to those who hoped to have bartered quality for it : 
it is now possessed by Mr. Archer and Mr. Sandys, and makes them 
ready to sit in the upper house, whenever his Majesty thinks fit to 
call them. 

Last week Sir Clement Fisher,* gave his niece Mary, to Captain 
Baldwyn of Meriden, which is a very convenient, and indeed, advan- 
tageous match for her. Sir Clement himself is, I fear, in a declining 
way, which will not suffer Lady Aylesfordf to see the Town this 
session. Her Ladyship's children grow up apace, and I think I never 
knew a more careful mother, or one who carried herself more impar- 
tially among them. With my best wishes for you and your's, 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER VIII. 

April 10th, 1728. 

MADAM, 

I have learned from long experience, that all people, 
except men of business, are willing to have a breathing time in their 



* Sir Clement Fisher, of Packinton, in the County of Warwick. Dr. Hough had married his Sister 
Lettice, Widow of Sir Charles Lee, of Billesley. 
f Who was Sir Clement Fishers Daughter. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



187 



correspondence ; for which reason, I often forbear to write to those I 
value most, though my warmest thoughts be with them : and I fear I 
am now a little too early in my humble thanks for the favour of your 
Ladyship's last letter ; but a very busy time is coining upon me, and 
begins to run so much in my head, as makes it fit for nothing else : 
I therefore choose to pay my debts of friendship and good manners 
rather sooner than usual, apprehending I may otherwise defer 
them so long as to seem to neglect them. The duty of my place 
obliges me once in three years to visit my Diocese, and 1 have 
appointed it to begin with the next month. It is not unlike the 
circuit of a Judge ; for I go to my remotest bounds, inquiring into 
the present state of our affairs, and, if occasion require, exerting the 
discipline of the Church. Wherever I come, my brethren meet me, 
and I am to say something to them which is called a charge, and being 
heedfully attended to, by them and many others, it becomes me to 
consider well of it. I do not much apprehend the fatigue of travelling ; 
but the numerous confirmations are really laborious, and I have many 
a time been tired in that service, when I was many years younger. 
On the first or second of June this business will end, and if Providence 
shall bring me home safe, I have the vanity to think Lady Kaye will 
be pleased to hear it. The Chancellor* brought his Wife to Fladbury 
in good health, and every body speaks of her as one in whom he is 
likely to be very happy ; but he has been afflicted with a fever ever 
since. He has a Physician of good skill, who attends him with affec- 
tion, and I pray God to make his endeavours successful ; the distemper 
is not violent, but I do not like the sort, and shall be extremely glad 
when he is rid of it. I do not doubt but that all the great titles and 



* Dr. Byiche. 

bb2 



188 



THE LIFE OF 



estates that are lit to be offered to Miss Scudamore* lye at her feet, 
and among them I hear is my neighbour, young Mr. Foley, f who has 
my best wishes for the Lady's sake as well as his own. He is as 
valuable as learning, good sense, and sobriety can make him ; very 
few can boast of a larger inheritance than he is born to, or of a father 
who is most affectionately inclined to share it with him : and if Lady 
Scudamore's chief aim be, (as I believe it is,) to enter into alliance 
with a family where her daughter will be esteemed, and with a man 
who may be a kind and comfortable companion in life, I profess I 
do not know where she can do it with equal likelihood of success. 

Having gone thus far, I hear that Dr. Byrche's fever increases ; two 
Physicians, who are with him, think him in very great danger, which 
raises so many melancholy thoughts in me, that I know your Ladyship 
will pardon me, if I can add no more but that 

I am r Madam, &c. 



LETTER IX. 

Hartlebury, October 5th, 1728. 

MADAM, 

I know your Ladyship not to be fond of public 
diversions, and the entertainments of a Court ; yet the season is so 



* Daughter of Lady Scudamore, who died of the small-pox, May the 2nd, 1729. 

f Thomas, who became the Second Lord Foley, of Whitley, in Worcestershire, where he built a new 
and very handsome Parish Church, and erected in it a superb Monument to the memory of his parents. 
He died January, 1766, aged 62, unmarried, leaving his estates to Thomas Foley, Esquire, of Stoke-Edith, 
whom his present Majesty created a Peer in 1776. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



189 



kindly, the air so temperate, and the fruits so much better in the 
country than in Town, that I fancy you have been tempted to return 
again to Windsor, where you have elbow-room in your own house, 
whilst others are crowded, and pay dearly for it. The Castle has 
many years been unfrequented, and the people have suffered severely 
by it, which makes them lay hold on the present opportunity to 
make hay, as the proverb says, when the sun shines: for lodgings, we 
are told, are at a most unreasonable rate ; this will not affect you, 
Madam, and you may, when you please, spend the evening agreeably ; 
but, I believe, you will hardly follow their Majesties into the Forest, 
to that sport, with which they are, it seems, much delighted. Lord 
and Lady Lewisham, perhaps, would be contented to share in it, (for 
I hope you have received them, and the fine little one, safe out of 
Yorkshire before this time,) and as hunting is very healthful, raises 
the spirits, and gives a free circulation to the blood, I presume your 
Ladyship will suffer them to have part in those advantages ; but 
something of hazard is unavoidable in a close pursuit of the game, and 
their prudence will direct them to follow it leisurely, and sometimes 
to be contented with hearing, or seeing it at a distance. 

Lord Finch has been reported to make his addresses to a Sister of 
Lord Denbigh,* and as their father's good-nature and good-breeding 
gave me a sincere esteem for him, I have been more than ordinarily 
inquisitive to hear when his daughter would be so advantageously 
matched ; but Lord Nottingham, they say, will not be prevailed on 
to approve it ; and it is well if he does not deprive his son of a blessing 



* This alliance took place in 1729. 



190 



THE LIFE OF 



which he may not hereafter meet with, and which is abundantly more 
valuable than the estate he intends to leave him; for the young Lady 
has the character of being very deserving, as well as desirable. We 
cannot wonder, that where the possessions are small, or unfortunately 
incumbered, money should be sought after, though it often brings 
extravagance or neglect of domestic affairs into a family, that over- 
balances the present gain : but where there is great plenty, one would 
expect that common discretion should give the preference to those 
virtues and good qualities, without which, there can be no true 
comfort or happiness in the enjoyment of it ; and this, Madam, puts 
me in mind of your Brother Knightley, who, not long since, was 
pleased to make me a visit, when Lord and Lady Foley and their 
children happened to be here. In truth, I was glad to see him, hoping 
he would have given me an opportunity of a little discourse with him ; 
but he came in when we were sitting down to dinner, and slipped away 
immediately after, before I was aware of it. I cannot think of the 
good Lady without extreme concern ; for she has an unaccountable 
temper to deal with, and a part to act, which I really think no woman 
in the world, who has less understanding and less patience than she is 
mistress of, could go through with. God grant it may not affect her 
health, and that she may live to see a time, when His Providence will 
reward her for all her sufferings ! 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to my Lord and 
Lady Lewisham, praying for God's blessing on their son, and am, 

Madam, &c. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



101 



LETTER X. 

January, 14th 1728. 

MADAM, 

I always suffer some time to pass betwixt the receipt 
of a letter and my acknowledgment of this favor, that they who honour 
me with their correspondence may not have too much trouble in it ; 
but I must no longer forbear to give your Ladyship my humble thanks 
for your last very kind letter, which not only speaks of my health, 
with a concern extremely above what it deserves ; but gives me such 
an account of yourself, as tempts me to think I have part in your 
confidence. Indeed Madam, you cannot repose a trust in any person 
living who more sincerely wishes well to you, or who would be more 
proud to find himself in a capacity of doing you the least service. 

You are pleased to mention a certain Duke, whose chair has once 
or twice been seen to stand at your door ; and as inquisitive people 
are quick-sighted, I must own I have heard from another hand of its 
being observed : in good earnest I can see no reason why your Ladyship 
should not make him happy in yourself, provided it be upon terms 
no way prejudicial to the children you are blessed with. Let him be 
contented to share with you in your annual income, and no other way 
to concern himself with your fortune, and I am one of those who shall 
wish him good success in his addresses. 

I have always looked upon him as a good-natured, well-bred 
gentleman ; he is upon the point of marrying his Daughter, and there 
will be no danger of any one to interfere with you in his family ; his 



192 



THE LIFE OF 



estate is equal to his title ; and though I should never advise you to 
purchase quality, yet if it will come easily, and upon reasonable 
conditions, I should be heartily glad to see you at the top, and you 
would really find advantage, as well as place and figure in it : but to 
leave this subject, which perhaps, may not be so agreeable to your 
Ladyship as it seems to me, give me leave to ask whether you have 

lately heard from and have any hope that matters will mend 

there. How much happiness does Providence sometimes put into a 
man's hands, and how incapable does he make himself of the blessing, 
bv an unaccountable taste, and a wrong turn of thought ! But we 
have yet this comfort left, that great errors cannot be committed, 
without being painfully felt by him that falls into them, as they are 
always censured with severity by lookers on ; such a man in spite of 
his teeth must in his retired moment reflect upon them, and if judgment 
in that softer season has the good fortune to prevail, he will be ashamed 
of, and forsake them. 

Mrs. Marow makes a long visit at Osmaston, which is so kindly 
resented by her friends, that they are sensible it will increase their 
regret when they come to part with her, and the young lady in that 
house will lose many opportunities of improving by her conversation 
above what country visits can afford : but for all that, I shall be glad 
when I hear she is at OfTchurch, and hope she will give as much 
of her time to one sister as the other. Your Ladyship will be 
inclinable to chide me for wishing to detain her so long, and at so great 
a distance from you, but good-nature always makes your displeasure 
short and gentle ; in this case particularly I promise myself it will be 
so, when you consider how much she is desired there, and that Lord 
and Lady Lewisham, and their fine little ones will seldom suffer you 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



193 



to want any body else. That your Ladyship may be abundantly 
happy in them, and they in you, without any thing that may impair 
the pleasure on either side, is the hearty prayer of, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XL 

"February 12th, 1728. 

MADAM, 

My last letter to your Ladyship was so officious as 
really needed your pardon, and by no means deserved the kind 
reception you gave it ; but good-nature, and good-breeding will 
always put the best construction upon every thing that aims at their 
service, and it is happy for me, that when I am carried out of the way, 
I have the good fortune to meet with such tempers. 

At the request of Mr. Huddesford,* I took the liberty to direct a 
small packet for him to your Ladyship's house by the last post ; and 
I dare say you have not been a little pleased to see him in town upon 
the errand that brought him up. Bourton to which he is presented is 
a very good living, with a convenient house pleasantly situated, but the 
chief advantage of it, in my esteem, is its nearness to Offchurch, whereby 
he will be enabled to hold both with ease, and not be lost to Mrs. 
Knightley, who has those cares upon her that should frequently be 



* The Reverend Mr. Huddesford, Tutor to Mrs. Knightley's Sons. 

C C 



THE LIFE OF 



relieved by agreeable conversation. As for our friends at I hope 

the case is not so bad as your Ladyship's tender concern for them 
makes you apprehend. Something must be parted with, but enough 
will be left ; a hopeful, good-conditioned, and dutiful son, readily 
concurs in making all easy, and in truth shews his judgment and good 
sense in it : for a new acquisition will more easily be obtained than an 
old debt could have been discharged ; so that I really hope what they 
are now doing, not without some reluctance, will in a little time be 
reflected on with comfort and constant complacency. How gladly 
would the good Lady I have named see herself brought into a narrower 
compass, provided all were set right at home, and how little is the 
extent of an income to be valued, whilst a decent competency remains, 
in comparison of the joy that always sits upon the hearts of those who 
have thorough good agreement among themselves. Let us not therefore, 
Madam, be over concerned for this matter : it is a breach in the fortune 
of a family, but no more than may well be borne ; and I have no doubt 
but that the good Providence of God will particularly favour an heir so* 
deserving, and by his means soon make it up again. 

I heartily wish your Ladyship joy in the expectation you have from 
Lady Lewisham ; may her Ladyship go on successfully, and stock 
her nursery so plentifully, as to give a play-fellow to every one of the 
Parents on either side ! for I hear every body say, the pattern she has 
already presented you with, is so very fine, that you can never have 
too many of them. Your Ladyship is so good as to own a concern 
for my kinsman Byrche, and therefore, I do him the honour to 
mention him to you. He is still at Bath, better than when he went 
thither, though not altogether free from complaint. A fit or two oi* 
the ague returned upon him lately, which the bark put off, and his 



BISHOP HOUGH 



105 



spirits are sometimes low ; but variety of good company, which that 
place never wants, may help to fetch them up, so that I hope he will 
see Leacroft again in health. His brothers are well, and the Chan- 
cellor's Wife is breeding, a thing that may go a great way in setting 
him right ; for I know it is what he earnestly desires. 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to Lord and Lady 
Lewisham, and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XII. 

March 12th, 1728. 

MADAM, 

By your Ladyship's last letter, I perceive you have 
been either highly affronted, or extremely ill-used, and am amazed to 
think who could be so brutish as to be guilty of either to one, who, 
without a compliment, is so nicely well-bred, and so entirely inof- 
fensive ; but, I protest, I am altogether ignorant of the matter : 
nobody with whom I correspond in town, having so much as hinted 

any thing to me ; I have not seen — — since he came into the 

country, so that he has had no opportunity of obeying your Ladyship ; 
but fame is a swift intelligencer, and when she carries ill-reports, 
commonly takes care to spread them effectually : and this way, 
methinks, I should have heard something ; but in truth I have not, 
and the inference I make is, that falsehood is often so very gross, as to 
put itself out of countenance, and that even malicious and ill-natured 

c c2 



196 



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people refuse to give it credit, when it brings their understandings and 
veracity in question. I conclude, therefore, Madam, that whatever 
has ruffled your Ladyship is ashamed of itself and despised by others ; 
it is already forgotten as if it had never been, and if you can conquer 
yourself and forget it too, you will disappoint the spiteful in that part 
of the design, which can only hurt—that of discomposing an even 
temper. 

I never heard that Mrs. Kerr* was out of order ; but since she has 
had something of a complaint, I am very glad she begins to find relief. 
May she perfectly recover, and her friends long have the pleasure of 
her conversation ! I shall see the Townf no more, but when I reflect 
that the most valuable thing in it is good company, I almost wish 
those people might never die, who innocently contribute to keep up 
the life and spirit of it, though I am not the better for it myself. I 
beg leave my most humble service may be accepted by my Lord and 
Lady, and am, 

Madam, &c. 



* Probably Widow of William Kerr, Esquire, Son of Sir William Kerr, of the Scotch Chancery. He 
resided at Finchley, and left his Widow a handsome fortune for her life, and afterwards to his relation 
William Kerr, Marquis of Lothian. 

f The Bishop, being at this time in his 78th year, had some time before this retired altogether into 
the country. 



* 



BISHOP HOUGH 



197 



LETTER XIII. 

October 22nd, 1729. 

MADAM, 

I have the honour of your Ladyship's letter, and 
though I was not ignorant how much your fine Grandson* endeared 
himself to you by the many beauties that began to discover themselves 
both in his body and mind ; yet I assured myself your good reason, 
and excellent, even temper, would make you superior to the strongest 
efforts of passion, and dispose you piously to submit to His good will 
and pleasure, who took him out of your arms. God, we are sure, 
orders all things for the best, even in the severest dispensations of his 
Providence. We cannot look forward to future events ; at most we do 
but amuse ourselves with probable guesses, for all is dark before us ; 
but God perceives pernicious consequences attending many times the 
eagerest of our wishes, which, (if He had condescended to inform us,) 
would have destroyed our repose, and rent our hearts. We, therefore, 
adore His wisdom and goodness, and humbly acquiesce in what he 
subjects us to : it is not only our duty, but our interest, and the most 
likely way to draw down from His indulgent hand blessings real and 
lasting. I hope your Ladyship, and Lord and Lady Lewisham will 
find this truth from experience, whose happiness in all respects I shall 
daily pray for, as becomes, 

Madam, &c. 



* The Honourable Arthur Legge, Son of Lord and Lady Lewisham. 



108 



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LETTER XIV. 

January 9th, 1729- 

MADAM, 

Your Ladyship's obliging letters keep me from 
being quite a stranger to the Town, for what comes from persons of 
quality we safely rely on ; the scene is open to them, they see and 
hear at first hand, and know what they say ; but common fame is so 
great a gossip, that we discredit our own understandings when we 
hearken to her voice. The stories that go about of a late unfortunate 
family, according to the inclinations which they who spread them have 
to favour one or the other side, are such, as neither good-nature nor 
justice can allow probability to ; but I am convinced I hear truth from 
your Ladyship, and God knows that is bad enough : however, let not 
this put you out of conceit with the air you breathe in, for what other 
inconveniences it may have : for the country does not want instances 
of follies of all sorts, to give them the softest name ; but mean people 
are covered by their obscurity ; their actions are seldom talked of five 
miles from home, and they quickly cease so much as to be thought of. 
This I fear is the only moral difference betwixt them, and those who 
live in the eye of the world ; they have the same passions, and are as 
little inclined to restrain them ; but they have not so many lookers-on 
to observe and divulge their failings, which I doubt has made the 
rural life to pass with the Poets for a much more innocent one than it 
is. But I forget myself in these melancholy reflections, and ought to 
consider that in the present season, nothing is to be seen or heard of, 
but what is pleasant and agreeable ; we show our houses and ourselves 
dressed out to the best advantage, and instead of exposing our com- 
plaints and infirmities, we offer nothing to our friends but hearty good 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



199 



wishes, and expect they should answer us in the same style. Permit 
me, therefore, to conform myself to this good old custom, and to tell 
your Ladyship with great sincerity, that none of those who honour 
you, do more earnestly pray for health and happiness to you and your 
nearest relations, than, 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XV. 

Havtlebury, April 25th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I am very sorry to hear that your Ladyship has had 
a touch of the intermitting fever, which has reigned so universally in 
this kingdom, and is now said to be taking its course in foreign parts : 
but God be thanked it is over with your Ladyship, and I hope so 
effectually as to be almost forgotten. The fine weather we have had 
of late cheers our spirits, and makes us fancy we shall be as healthy as 
heretofore, if the vast abundance of fruit that is coming on do not 
bring some new disorder along with it ; for I never saw the wall-trees 
promise so much plenty, or the orchards and gardens in a more 
flourishing condition. Could I describe the beauty and pleasure of 
the country in so lively a manner as to tempt your Ladyship to come 
and share with us in them, I am sure I should have the thanks of all 
your friends ; but I despair of doing it when I consider how splendid 
a Court you are likely to have this summer, and how little you need 
to care for any thing we have to brag of, since money commands all we 
have, without the trouble of a journey : such is the power the great 
Town has over us. 



200 



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You are pleased to tell me of some matches that are made, and of 
others that are in treaty ; and though it seldom falls out that the earliest 
notice of such things comes to us, yet I believe I can tell your 
Ladyship what perhaps you may not have heard, that the Lord 
Glenorchy* has his eye upon one whom I heartily wish well to : his 
late lady was the Duke of Kent's daughter, and his mother the Duke 
of Newcastle's, so that I conclude his estate is equal to his quality ; 
and if his Lordship is of such a temper as that a wife may expect to 
be happy in him, let him go on and prosper. The affair is so very 
young, and so many rubs may lie in the way, that I should not mention 
her name to any other than your Ladyship, who I know will not repeat 
it, till you have it from other hands : but Miss Pershall is the person 
his Lordship thinks of at present, who is in truth very desirable in 
herself, and in her fortune, and what need a man look further ? 

Our good friend, Mrs. Kerr, has been out of order, and suspects there 
was something paralytic in it, which makes her apprehensive it may 
return again with more violence, and she has good reason to guard 
against it ; but it cannot have been much at this time, for I have the 
account of it under her own hand. It is a pity so much good sense 
and good humour should be any way interrupted ; but whilst the 
faculties of our minds depend upon our bodies it is unavoidable, and 



* John Campbell, afterwards Earl of Breadalbane on the death of his Father in 1752. By his first 
Wife Annabel Grey, the Daughter of Henry, Marquis of Grey, and Duke of Kent, he had a Daughter 
Jemima, who married Philip Yorke, second Earl of Hardwicke ; he married a second time to Arabella, 
Daughter of Sir Thomas Pershall of Staffordshire, by whom he had a Son, Lord Glenorchy, who dying in 
1771 without issue, the Title of Earl of Breadalbane went to Colin Campbell of Carwyhin,Esq. who was in 
1806 created an English Baron by the title of Lord Breadalbane of Taymouth. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



201 



few people enjoy them so long, and to such a degree as she has done. 
A gentleman of my acquaintance was lately in Derbyshire, and waited 
on the good family at Osmaston ; he says they are all in health, and in 
a fair way of settling their affairs, at least their neighbours of best 
quality think so ; by whom they are sincerely beloved. I am highly 
delighted, and so I dare say is your ladyship, to hear that Mr. Marow 
Knightley is preparing himself for a retirement of some years in a 
college life. 

I am glad your grand-daughter improves in beauty (though nobody 
apprehends she can ever want it), and that she and her noble parents 
may long be blessings to your Ladyship, is the sincere prayer of, 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XVI. 

August 8th 1730. 

MADAM, 

I have the honour of your Ladyship's letter, but cannot 
from my heart say I am thankful for the favour ; for though proper 
thoughts well expressed flow from your pen of course, which nobody 
can read without pleasure, yet I beg you will think more justly of me 
than to believe I value my own gratification before the safety of your 
eyes. I know that reading and writing are forbidden you; I know you 
suffer in complaisance to your friends ; but I wish you would consider 
that you put them in pain by it, and that nobody, who deserves a place 
in your memory, can be contented to receive proofs of it at your 
expense. 

D D 



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Good Mrs. Marow, I hope, will soon be as well as ever, and then I 
promise myself to hear, as often as she pleases, of your Ladyship's health 
and of her own ; but I earnestly entreat you, Madam, not to write till 
you can say it ceases to be troublesome ; which can only enable your 
Mends to read with pleasure. My good friend, Lady Clarke, has been 
so kind as to make me a visit ; it was short — only ten days — but coming 
unlooked for, made it exceedingly agreeable, and I was highly delighted 
in her conversation whilst it lasted, and had no small joy in seeing her 
healthful and cheerful, and just the same as when I left her. She and 
Mrs. Sheldon, (in whose coach she made the journey,) purpose 
to be in Town before this will reach your Ladyship, and, I dare say, 
she will lose no time in waiting on Mrs. Marow, whose dangerous 
indisposition she sincerely lamented. A letter came to me from Bath 
at the same time that I received your Ladyship's, to let me know we 
had lost Mrs. Jennens ;• I could not be surprized to hear it, nor, indeed, 
immoderately troubled, considering that her life began to be a burthen 
to her ; but if a second choice should enter into the widower's 
thoughts, I am apt to think his daughters will entertain it with regret, 
and perhaps wish they had sooner suffered him to dispose of them. 

Be pleased to present my most humble service to Mrs. Marow, 
who with your Ladyship and your children, has part in the daily 

prayers of, 

Madam, &c. 



* Elizabeth, Wife of John Jennens, Esquire, third son of Humphrey Jennens, Esquire, and Uncle of 
the rich Mr. Jennens, of Acton. 



/ 



BISHOP HOUGH. 203 

LETTER XVII. 

October 19th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I must not lose time in returning my most humble 
thanks for the honour I received by the last Post ; for, indeed, it 
relieved me from an impatience I was under to hear how it fared 
with good Mrs. Marow. When my friend Lady Clarke was in Town, 
she did not fail to let me know ; but in her absence, I had not so little 
regard to your Ladyship's ease, as to desire information from your 
hand, and I knew not where else to have it. How should I have 
rejoiced to hear an account of her health equal to the wishes of her 
friends, and even of all that know her ! but your Ladyship speaks but 
poorly of her slow amendment, and of the weak condition she still is 
in : there is comfort, however, in hearing her pains are abated ; it is a 
sign the surgeons have succeeded well, and when once their operations 
are over and the tenderness they occasion, it is hardly to be imagined 
how soon strength will return. God grant she may quickly feel it, 
and your Ladyship have daily pleasure in perceiving it ! 

I am glad to hear that Yorkshire has made itself so agreeable to 
Lord and Lady Lewisham, as to keep them hitherto, for methinks they 
return somewhat late to Town. The autumn season has been favourable 
to travellers, if we may judge from what it has proved in this country, 
and I hope it will continue so till you see them at your feet, and 
pretty Miss in your arms, and that the rains, which usually fall heavy 
at this time of the year, will be suspended for their sakes. On the 
second of November, the election begins at All Souls College, and I 

D d2 



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am very sanguine in my expectation of Mr. Knightley's being chosen 
into that society. His temper disposes him to such retirement, and he 
is well qualified to deserve it: my hopes are much strengthened by 
Mrs. Knightley's having had a lucky opportunity of being acquainted 
with the Governor* and his Lady ; whose favour will extremely facilitate 
the young gentleman's design, and I dare say his mother's winning 
address could not fail to obtain it. 

On Friday last I had a neighbourly and very kind visit from Lord 
and Lady Foley : they inquired very obligingly after your Ladyship's 
health, and expressed a sincere and hearty concern for Mrs. Marow. 
His Lordship has something of a rheumatic complaint, which carries 
them to Bath on Wednesday next, where I hope he will meet with 
the relief he looks for. 



I beg leave to tell Mrs. Marow that she has my daily prayers ; and 
your Ladyship will allow me to say that I am, 

Madam &c. 



LETTER XVIII. 

November 15th, 1730. 



MADAM, 

I am sure your Ladyship could not write the letter 
you have honoured me with, without putting a force upon yourself, 
and therefore, I receive it as a mark of your friendship, and am very 



* The Bishop means the Warden. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



205 



thankful for it, though it informs me of the loss of a Lady,* who was 
truly valuable in herself, beloved by all that knew her, and for whom 
I had a high esteem : but God has delivered her out of a great deal 
of misery ; she has shewed the constancy and resignation of a good 
Christian under sufferings that have severely tried her ; she is now 
gone to rest and endless happiness, and what cause have we then to 
lament ? Your Ladyship rightly observes, it is self-love that raises 
our passions, for we hear of mortality, in general, with too much 
indifference, and without making those proper reflections that would 
be of use to us ; but when it overtakes a relation, or a friend, we feel 
the stroke, and human frailty discovers itself ; it is true we feel and 
cannot help it, but reason tells us we must, in spite of our teeth, 
submit where there is no remedy ; and Religion goes much further, 
requiring us not only to submit, but to acquiesce contentedly and 
willingly in the dispensations of Providence. This is a doctrine not 
easily learned, and with many is of hard digestion ; but it must go 
down, and it is our interest that it should : it is impossible for 
afflictions not to sit heavy on the mind of one who is serious and 
sensible ; but they who suffer them to gall and fret, are their own 
enemies, and forget their duty. I am, at present, under this 
discipline ; for on the 8th Instant, I lost Mr. E. Byrche, f who of all 
my other relations, was dearest to me : he was a man of integrity and 
good sense, and I reposed all my confidence in him, designing to throw 



* Probably her Sister, Mrs. Arabella Marow, who died about this time. 

■f Brother of Chancellor Byrche. It is observable, that when the Bishop consoles another for the loss 
of a relation, or friend, he generally adverts to a similar loss of his own, which serves to convince his 
correspondent, that she is not singular in her affliction, and at the same time, sets her the example of 
supporting it with Christian resignation. 



206 



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my cares upon him, and to have the advantage of his judgment and 
understanding, when age and infirmities had impaired my own : but 
this expectation is taken from me, and I know not where to fix on 
such another ; for the Chancellor has a family and affairs of his own 
to look after, and though I have other kinsmen, who are sober and 
honest, yet every one is not qualified for such a Trust. I hope, if God 
adds to my days, He will continue the blessing his goodness has hitherto 
vouchsafed me, of moderate understanding ; my dependence is upon 
Him alone, and I speak it with an heart entirely resigned, " His will 
be clone in all things." I am, 

Madam, &e. 
LETTER XIX, 

February 13th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I have the honour of your Ladyship's Letter, which 
not only gives me the pleasure of knowing, that you, with Lord Lewis- 
ham and the little Lady, are in good health, but that one is pretty 
forward in coming to increase the family. It will certainly be welcome 
to all your friends as well as to yourselves : may it prove an heir, and 
may you long enjoy him ! I am never willing to delay my acknow- 
ledgments of your Ladyship's favours, and should not have been so 
quick as I am now, did I not think it a sin to pause, when an object 
of charity is before me. I am truly sorry for the low condition in 
which Dr. Fiddes's* widow and children are, and your Ladyship is very 



* Author of the Life of Cardinal Wolsey and other works ; an ingenious and worthy man, but being 
obliged by infirmities to commence author, was reduced to poverty and distress, and died in 1725, leaving 
a wife and large family. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



207 



good in the compassion you have on them. I pray God to comfort 
them, and have directed Mr. Bosvile to wait upon you with five 
guineas, which I beg you will apply to their advantage, as you see 
good. I am really grieved for poor Lady Doneraile, that she has not 
health to enjoy the plenty which she paid so dearly for : but so it often 
happens, that people who are well and hearty find that neither lands 
nor money can preserve those blessings. Mrs. Kerr's good looks have 
held out well, and an old Friend has a particular pleasure in hearing 
it. She has really been happy in that respect above any I know. 
May Lady Kaye follow her example, and twenty years hence look just 
as I am told she does now ! 

Your Ladyship will please to give my most humble service both at 
home and abroad to all who are so good as to remember, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XX. 
To Lady Lewisham. 

March 15th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

My Lady Kaye does me a great deal of honour in 
owning the receipt of my letter by your Ladyship's hand, and you, 
Madam, are extremely good in condescending to take that trouble 
upon yourself. I had no reason to expect it, but am proud of the 
favour. 



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I hope her Ladyship will soon meet with some effectual remedy for 
the weakness in her eyes, and be able to use her pen (which she so 
well knows how to do) without prejudice to them ; but till their 
strength returns, she must spare them as much as possible. Her Doctors 
I am sure enjoin it, and her friends beg it of her ; who, how much 
soever they value the marks of her esteem, cannot be thankful for 
them whilst they give her uneasiness. 

Indeed I had a very sensible pleasure in hearing that your Ladyship 
was in the way of repairing your loss, and they must be strangers to 
my Lord's character and your own, who are not sincerely concerned 
for your welfare ; and therefore I pretend not to any distinguishing 
merit, when I presume to assure you that I will be constant in my 
prayers to Almighty God for the happiness and increase of your family, 
and that I am, 

Madam, &c. 

Permit me to present my most humble service to my Lord Lewisham 
and Lady Kaye. 



LETTER XXL 

November 27th, 1731. 

MADAM, 

When I do myself the honour to write to your 
Ladyship, I am of opinion it should be my care to touch only upon 
such things as are agreeable and amusing ; for who can think he 



BISHOP HOUGH 



20Q 



obliges a friend by accosting him with a dismal story, the effect 
whereof will probably be to raise the passions, and damp that serenity 
and innocent gaiety of mind which it is no easy matter to preserve : I 
would, therefore, if possible, pass over in silence that melancholy 
providence that has fallen out at Oxford,* did it not come too near 
your Ladyship to be overlooked and were it not uppermost in my 
thoughts ; but I am sure you have had your share of grief for the loss 
of a Nephew so every way deserving, and I cannot pretend to have 
known him, and not say that I am sensibly afflicted to see his family 
deprived of him. He was, indeed, a young gentleman much to be 
valued for his understanding and good-sense, and more to be admired 
for his prudent and exemplary conduct : he was, in short, one who I 
hoped had been born to contribute to the ease and happiness of all 
about him ; but infinite Wisdom has called him from the good offices 
he might have done, to enjoy the fruits of his piety : * * * * To 
dismiss all further thoughts on this uncomfortable subject, may your 
fine Grandson, t grow up to be possessed of all the accomplishments 
his Cousin was master of, and live healthfully, and long, till, in the 
course of time, he comes to wear the honours, and to be the support 
of his House. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* The death of her Nephew Marow Knightley, her Sister's eldest Son. 

f This was William Earl of Dartmouth, Grandfather of the present Earl ; and the good Bishop's 
prayer was granted, for he became one of the most accomplished and amiable of men. He died in 
July, 1801, having filled many high offices in the State, aged 70. 



E E 



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LETTER XXII. 

March 13th, 1731. 

MADAM, 

The newspaper told us of a fire in Old Bond-Street, 
that threatened a great deal of mischief, and of the Lady Gainsbo- 
rough's generosity to those that helped to extinguish it ; but till Mr. 
Vernon (who is your Ladyship's neighbour in Town, and mine in the 
country,) informed me, I did not know it came so near as to alarm 
yourself. He tells me his good Lady was much frightened, and I 
believe Lady Kaye was so too ; the cause was great, and apparent 
enough to shake the most intrepid. Men give themselves airs, and 
commonly smile at the Ladies' fears, being apt to ascribe them to 
strength of fancy that magnifies danger, or to a sort of weakness which 
does not misbecome them ; but when that dreadful element of fire 
approaches in its fury, and seems to have mastery, the stoutest 
heart must shrink before it, and bestirs itself to guard against it ; 
not to have fear proportionable to the cause at such a time, does not 
discover firmness of mind, but stupidity and insensibility ; it is an 
unreasonable hardiness beyond that of a brute, for wolves and lions 
stand in awe of fire : taking it, therefore, for granted, that your 
Ladyship was startled and full of apprehensions when you saw the 
flames, I beg leave to ask how you do? whether your fears were soon 
dissipated, and your usual calm and even temper restored ? or whether 
some faint remembrances of what has passed do not still ruffle you ? 
and to assure you, that no accident can disturb your repose, that will 
not affect, 

Madam, &c. 

I hope LadyLewisham was at such a distance as only to hear of 



BISHOP HOUGH 



211 



this misfortune, and to feel no other share in it, than what she could 
not avoid by sympathizing with your Ladyship. I had a letter from 
Mrs. Knightley the other day, so judiciously and prudently expressing 
her sense of the necessity we are under to subdue our passions, and 
humbly submit to Providence in all events, that though her wound 
has been deep, and must have time to heal, nor can it be so entirely 
covered as not to leave a scar ; yet I hope her friends may promise 
themselves to see her griefs lessen every day, till she returns to such 
serenity of mind, as may bring her again to have comfort in life, and 
in the blessings that remain ! &c. 

LETTER XXIII. 

November 27th, 1732.; 

MADAM, 

Your Ladyship's obliging Letter makes ine sensible^ 
that a sweet, calm, and even temper, which was very eminently 
remarkable in good Lady Marow, and by her derived to yourself, 
appears to be hereditary in Lady Lewisham, and shines among her 
other noble qualities, by which she is enabled to bear the weight of 
her sorrows* decently, and with becoming submission to the hand 
that inflicted them. Her conduct is extremely commended, and is 
truly pious ; shewing that afflictions may, indeed, make deep im- 
pressions upon, but can never break, a mind that is humbly resigned, 



I ord Lewisham died in September of this year of the small-pox. 

E E2 



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and I hope we may presume, that Providence has many mercies in 
store as the reward of her virtue under the severest trial, especially 
those of health and long life ; that she may have the comfort of 
bringing up her fine children under her eye, and of making them 
valuable to the world by her example. 

Your Ladyship may, perhaps, have heard before this comes to your 
hands, that Lady Plymouth is a widow,* though her Lord died but 
on Friday last ; but ill news is proverbially swift, and I am told, there 
are many reasons for Mr. Lewis to be informed of it without loss of 
time. Her Ladyship's condescension and prudent behaviour in this 
country, have gained the esteem of all. 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to Lady Lewisham, 
and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXIV. 

September 29th, 173' 



MADAM, 



By our good friend Mrs. Kerr, I am informed that 
your Ladyship is returned from Tunbridge, with as much benefit from 



* Elizabeth, Daughter and heir of Thomas Lewis, Esquire, of Soberton, Hants. She died in 
November, 1733. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



213 



the waters as they were capable of affording, and with all the good 
humour you carried thither, to which they could not add. I did not 
trouble you there with my inquiries concerning your health, for I was 
many years a Water-drinker myself, and learned from experience, that 
the Physicians were in the right, when they forbad their patients to 
read, or write, or apply their thoughts to any thing but the diversions 
of the place, it being requisite to help the waters in their kindly 
operation, by giving themselves entirely up to them, and to the rules 
that are prescribed on such occasions : but now that your Ladyship is 
again in Bond-Street, and as well as can be desired, I take the liberty 
to tell you, that none of your servants are better pleased to hear it than 
myself, and I heartily wish you may be sufficiently fortified against 
the rigorous season that is coming on apace. Your neighbours, 
(when in town,) Mr. Vernon* and his Lady, are now in possession of 
their fine seat called Hanbury, to which they lately succeeded, with 
the addition of twelve hundred pounds per annum, by the death of a 
good old Lady, who enjoyed it during life; it is a sweet place, and a 
noble estate, and they have one very fine boy on whom it will descend if 
he lives, but another son is earnestly desired, if God so please. They 
have a pretty girl, but the whole estate is entailed upon heirs male, 
and chargeable with nothing, excepting only a jointure. I have not 
yet been at Witley, the river betwixt us keeping up so high as to 
forbid my passage ; but my Lady t and Miss Foley are very well, and 



* Of Hanbury, in Worcestershire, Cousin and Devisee of the celebrated Lawyer, author of the reports 
which bear his name. He married Jane, Daughter of Thomas Cornwallis, Esquire, of Aberlantes, 
Carmarthenshire. Henry Cecil, Earl and First Marquis of Exeter, married Emma, the only Grand- 
daughter of this gentleman, in 1780. She left no children. 

f Maria, Daughter of Thomas Strode, Esquire, county of Dorset. She died 1735, aged 63. 



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her Ladyship's thoughts much employed upon the model of a new 
Church* which she intends to build there. Lord Foley shewed me the 
design, and indeed it will be very handsome, as will the Monument, 
which I believe is actually preparing for her Lord, herself, and their 
children, is truly noble, and little, if at all, inferior to any of the finest 
of marble, in Westminster Abbey. 

I hope your Ladyship found Lady Lewisham in good health, who 
I pray, may long be happy in the little Lord and his sisters, f 
and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXV. 

January 19th, 1733. 

MADAM, 

Christmas, and the New Year, are times when all 
people present their best wishes to their friends ; and though I 
have not troubled your Ladyship with mine, yet I can with assurance 
say, that, if they have their full effect, you and Lady Lewisham, and 
her young ones are in health, and have nothing to complain of. 

The Town is at present, I fancy, a very busy scene, where all the 



* This was completed by her Son, the Second Lord Foley, and likewise a noble Monument, begun by 
his Mother, to the memory of her Husband, herself and family. 

f One of whom, Anne, married the Honourable Mr. Brudeuell, afterwards Earl of Cardigan ; the 
other, Elizabeth, Whitshead Keene, Esq. M. P. of Richmond Surrey. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



215 



Ladies are preparing for the Wedding at Court, and the Lords and 
Gentlemen for supplies suitable to the exigency of the coming year. 
God grant a happy issue to both ! May the Prince of Orange, * and 
our Princess, be lasting blessings to each other, to us, and to our 
neighbours ; and may the two Houses agree in every thing that may be 
for the service of their Country, the honour of the Crown, and their own 
reputation ! But when they are up, I dread to look forward to the 
election of a new Parliament ; the spirits of people in some of the 
remote Counties being so exasperated, that it is not easy to imagine 
how they can meet together without great disturbance. Your Lady- 
ship's Nephew, t I perceive, is invited to serve for York, which will 
happily prevent a contested election for that County. I wish the 
like could be brought about in some other places, where the parties 
are exceedingly warm, and violently set against each other; but I fear 
it is not to be compassed. 

Chancellor Byrche is now in waiting at St James's, and will not fail 
to attend your Ladyship. He is happy in a very good wife, and two 
fine children, a boy and girl, and if it pleases God that he lives, they 
will not be unprovided for. 

I lately had a kind letter from Mrs. Kerr, which really gave me a 
great deal of pleasure ; for, (though she was a beauty in her time, and 



* Charles Henry, who married Ann the Princess Royal, March -25th, 1733-4. He died in 1751, and 
the Princess in 1759, leaving one son, William Henry Prince of Orange and last Stadtholder. 

f Sir John Lister Kaye, Faronet, the Nephew of Sir Arthur, he died in April, 1752, leaving two Sons, 
who became successively Earcnets; viz. Sir John and the late Sir Richard Kaye, D.D. Sec. 



216 



THE LIFE OF 



still has the remains of it to shew,) she will, I presume, allow me to 
call her an old acquaintance, and I have outlived so many of them 
as much endears to me those that remain. I pray God to add many 
years to your Ladyship's life, without diminution of your strength, 
your ease, or your good understanding, and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXVI. 

April 22nd, 1734. 

Madam, 

Your Ladyship has always been so intimately 
acquainted with what is most polite, that the splendour of the late 
Wedding,* and the pompous appearance at Court, has not I dare say 
dazzled you. It must have been, according to the account given of it, 
truly magnificent ; nothing seems to have been omitted that could 
possibly express the pleasure wherewith his Majesty gave his daughter 
in Marriage, so agreeably to the interests and inclination of his people ; 
but the Show is over, the ceremonious finery will no more appear to 
entertain our eyes, and the accomplishments of the Royal Bride, and her 
Prince, can only be our standing glories. The time will quickly come, 
when they must go to be received with universal joy in another country : 
God grant them a safe and an easy passage, and make them long 
happy in each other, and in every circumstance of life ! and then it. 
matters not much in what dress their happiness appears. 



Of the Prince and Princess of Orange, Vide Gentleman's Magazine, vol. iv., p. 160. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



217 



I have been heartily concerned for poor Miss Foley's misfortune,* 
which, it is much to be feared, may confine her as long as she lives ; but 
she is happy in an excellent even temper, and in very good sense, and 
knows how to spend her time at home, without being at all troubled 
that she cannot have part in the common amusements of the Town. 
It is very likely she will not think of marriage, unless God is pleased in 
some measure to restore her limbs, which in good earnest is to be 
regretted ; for ever since she has been grown up, I have thought her as 
fit to govern a family, and as likely to make it happy, as any young 
Lady I have known. 

Your Ladyship tells me that Lady Lewisham with the young Lord 
and his Sisters are in good health, which I rejoice to hear. Infants 
are subject to many casualties, and disorders which keep their tender 
parents in perpetual anxiety for them ; but the good Providence of 
God will, I trust, be always over your family, to guard it in all events, 
till the young ones grow up to be disposed of accordiug to their quality 
and merit, in such manner as may yield true comfort, and joy of heart 
to your Ladyship, and their dear Mother. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* From what follows in other letters it may be presumed that this was probably a fall. 



F F 



218 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XXVII. 

August 5th, 1734. 

MADAM, 

The last letter you honoured me with mentioned 
your intention of going to Bath ; and if nothing unforeseen diverted 
the journey, I please myself in thinking you are now at home, 
perfectly free from those slight disorders that carried you thither. We 
frequently hear of nervous complaints, and people who give way to 
fearful apprehensions are most liable to their ill effects ; but your 
Ladyship's cheerful, even temper, with that excellent constitution 
God has blessed you with, will never suffer them to give you much 
disturbance. 

Whether you are now in Town, or in some sweet retirement near it, 
I hope this will find you easy in all respects ; and may your health 
continue so entire, as to admit of no interruption in the lively pleasure 
you enjoy when your dear charming children are about you. 

Your Ladyship told me of a treaty on foot between the Duke of 
Portland* and Lady Mary Harley which has since taken effect, and 
I pray God the newly married couple may be very happy. The 
Lord's Grandfather was my kind friend ; and time was, when my dear 



* William Bentinck the second Duke of Portland K. G., married 11th July 1734 to Margaret Cavendish, 
sole Heir of Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer. The Duke died in May, 1762, the Duchess 
in July, 1785. They were examples of conjugal felicity, and left several children, the eldest of whom 
was the last noble Duke, so justly deplored, who died November, 1809. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



219 



wife* and I were well known to my Lady Oxford, who sometimes 
distinguished us by her civilities ; she is a very good-natured and a 
sensible Lady, and I really rejoice that an affair of such consequence 
has succeeded to her satisfaction. 

Lady Aylesfordf sent me word the other day that Mrs. Kerr was 
expected in Warwickshire, and invited me to give her the meeting at 
Packington ; I am heartily glad she finds herself so hearty, and still 
maintains her good humour, and good looks : It would be no small 
pleasure to me, to have part in her conversation, particularly at that 
place, where she and I have spent many cheerful days together ; but 
I am likely to have company at home, and shall not be at liberty to 
wait upon her. 

I dare say your Ladyship was glad to see your neighbour^ come to 
Town in safety ; for so long a journey in her circumstances, might 
have been attended with ill consequences : but God be thanked, she 
escaped them, and I hope will in due time bring the blessing of another 
son into her family. Lady Lewisham and her young ones always have 
part in my prayers, and I am, 

Madam, &c. 



* He seldom mentions his Wife, but always with the greatest affection. 

t Niece of his Wife. 
% Probably Mrs. Vernon, whom the Bishop had mentioned in a former Letter. 



FF2 



220 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XXVIII. 

August 23d, 1735. 

MADAM, 

On Thursday last my good old friend Mrs. Ken- 
arrived here, cheerful and hearty without any indisposition or ill 
accident on the road, and would scarce allow herself to be weary on 
the journey, though she made but three days of it betwixt London 
and this place. I perceive no impair in her senses, understanding, or 
memory, but very much in her looks since I saw her in Town ; she 
held them a great while, but now methinks the years that have passed 
over her head shew themselves in her face. She gave me no small 
pleasure in telling me how perfectly well your Ladyship is since you 
came home from Tunbridge, but could not speak of, nor could I hear 
of Lady Lewisham's disaster without great concern : it really grieves 
me to think how much your Ladyship suffers in being absent from 
her at this time ; but she is in the hands of those who know her 
value, and will be wanting in nothing that may contribute to her ease. 
Such accidents have fallen out to several persons within our knowledge, 
to Lady Chetwynd* and Miss Foley, who are of your Ladyship's 
acquaintance ; and Mrs. Floyer, a kinswoman of mine, as fine a woman 
as most I have seen, fell not long since under the same misfortune ; 
these three still feel the effects of it, and I fear will do so as long as 
they live: but I hope God will bless Lady Lewisham in a cure so 
perfect, that when she returns again to your arms, you may not be 



* Mary, Daughter and Co-Heir of John Berkley, Lord Fitzharding ; married to Lord Chetwynd of 
Ireland. He died in 173C-7, and Lady Chetwynd in June, 1741. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



221 



able to observe she has been amiss. The little Lord and his Sisters, I 
am told, are very well, discovering as much sense as can shew itself at 
their age, and likely to be as beautiful in time as their grandfather and 
grandmother by the mother's side were, when I first knew them. I 
pray that you may long be happy in them, and their most deserving 
Mother. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XXIX. 

October 15ih, 1735. 

MADAM, 

I prevailed with our good friend Mrs. Kerr to stay 
longer at Hartlebury than she intended, and have had no small 
pleasure in conversing with her ; but yesterday she left me, and 1 
cannot hope to enjoy such good company any more, till some kind 
accident brings others, who are equally disposed to relieve the solitary 
hours of a man in retirement. I pray God to protect and conduct 
her in safety to her own house, in as good health and as much ease as 
she came hither ; which was so remarkable, that I hardly thought it 
practicable at her time of life. She finished the journey in three days 
(which is ninety-five miles, and some of them very dirty and rugged) 
without complaining at the end.of it ; nor indeed did she seem fatigued. 
We had time to talk over all our acquaintance, and were delighted in 
the recollection ; we rejoiced in your Ladyship's welfare, and often 
reflected how great a blessing you had in Lady Lewi sham, and her fine 
children, we hoped her Ladyship had no remains of her late ill accident, 
and we prayed that the happiness of your family might be of long 



222 



THE LIFE OF 



continuance in every respect ; we visited, (but without stirring from 
the fire-side) old Berkswell Hall, and could not forget the many 
agreeable days we had spent there ; we went in the same easy manner 
to Packington, to Offchurch, to Birbury and several other places ; and 
running over past life, could not but wonder at that Providence which 
had conducted us through it to the age we are arrived at ; an age 
which I heartily wish you may comfortably arrive at, and go beyond. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XXX. 

February l6th, 1735-6. 

MADAM, 

I most heartily congratulate your Ladyship upon the 
happy conclusion of the treaty betwixt Lord North* and his fine Lady : 
It is one of those uncommon Marriages that all people approve, and we 
may reasonably expect Providence to distinguish it by peculiar 
blessings. Your Ladyship has had a tedious course of ceremony upon 
this occasion ; but nobody better understands how to go through it 
with decency and ease, and by this time it is over; but your pleasure 



* Lord North and Guilford, married first in June, 1728, Lucy Montagu, Daughter of George Earl of 
Halifax, by whom he had issue a Son Frederick, Lord North, afterwards Earl of Guilford. 

Lord North and Guilford was, in 1750, appointed Governor to his present Majesty, by whom he was 
extremely beloved ; he died in August, 1790, aged 87, universally esteemed and beloved, having survived 
three Wives, as appears from a Monument and Epitaph by his Lordship, inthe Parish Church of Wroxton, 
in the County or Oxford. — Vide the annexed Plate. 




Sacred To the Memory 
of Lady LTTCT GriLFOKD, 

only surviving Daughter 
of George Ear-l of' HaBit'ax.fy' 
Bicharda Bostlmma/«j' fihrtlfire, 
Daughter & Bar of BicB5 
SaLtonstaH.tw' Cliipping JSorWn, 
in t/ic Comity of27cntluma->TonEsq'. 
Site departed t/iisLire the 
J. of2Iay j^d.^lged z5Years. 
leaving one only son Frederick, 
^drul a Da? Lucy, who swvived 
hit a tew days Ik was here, buried 
with her 2lother. 






Sacred to the Memory 
of Catherine Comings of GUILTOTil), 
one of tlic Daughters k Colieirs 
of Sir Hob* lurnese, Biuwiet ~, 
of Waldersiierc ,in the County of Sent. 

By the Lady Arabella Watson., 
Daughter- of\.^vf\.% Earl of Bocktugham 
She was also Sister & Heir to S.'' 
Henry Turnese , Baronet f wiw died 
in his minority J & Widow of 
'LevrisEarl of Bo cki n gham , 
She deparTed tliis Life DecTzz 
1766 in the hi? Year of Jierjigc, 
leaving no ij'sue, & was 
Try Direction, of her Will , 
interred at this Blare. 




Sacred to tlie Memory 
ofEkzLaay NOBTHi- GTTTLTOKD, 
Daughter k Heir of Arth.Eaye 
of Woodsome , in the Co. of York B? 
k Widow of George Z^Lewiab-ani 
Son ofWiS^Ear-l of Dartmouth 
She departed dusLife on y JO.jtpj.n^.5 
^daed 38 Years, leaving i/sue by 
George L d . LeysisBam, Willi am 
nowEarl rf'DanmoTirli..w/(i Eon/. 
Arm. & Eliz^legge,-,*.- by the 
L'} North & Guilford , Bouisa, 
now Lady WiHoughby de Broke, 
"Francis .Augustus & Charlotte, 
who died infants & Brownlow T: 
Bishop ofy^AesXer.ffcrLiicJyshif 
was interred here. 



1 



H 





Tliese iliree excellent Wives pofse/scd every pood quality wliich characterizes a pood Christian. 
Tlieu- Prudence k^dtfability commanded universal Esteem. Their deiiglit was in doinp pood. 
Tlie distrc/sed of every kind who desired tlieir a/sistance , had always reason to be satisfied 
T/iev r aised their Husband to a degree of happr'ne/s Tar beyond what man ought to expect in this mortal s, 
,4r,rf added proofs at their Death of their sincere affection & esteem . 

Nothing but the powerritl a/sistance of divine Providence . inspiring Christian Eestgnation 
Could have enabled him to support the excruciating grief he suffered on being deprived of 'mam 
The World cannot sufficiently lament t/ieir Zofs. Their bright examples call aloud for 

Tmitation . 



Jjmgmtili-ftfilMtnrjnrttSn'ttwmM'li '■ 



Momraimt at WRQXTON in. the County of Oxford 
Zrected by Francis die- if \Earl or' GUILFORD nJio JieJ^ J dit^.iygo^£t.Sj. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



223 



is likely to be lasting, and with God's blessing free from interruption. 
I will not trouble the amiable couple with the formality of my good 
wishes, they and you, Madam, have had more than enough already of 
customary joys ; but I pray sincerely, and will do it daily, that they 
may long continue to have comfort in each other, be prosperous in 
every part and circumstance of life, and that your Ladyship may live 
and share in it. I hear with pleasure that Mr. Bromley's affair, which 
has made too much noise, is not so bad as report had made it : 
something of indiscretion is charged upon the Lady, and the shadow 
of an affront in so tender a point, magnified itself to a monstrous 
proportion ; but cool reflection has brought it to its proper size, and 
I am told all will be well again in that family. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXL 

April 12th, 1736. 

MADAM, 

The letter you honoured me with on March the 
17th was extremely welcome, and relieved me from uneasy apprehen- 
sions, which I believe every body was brought under that saw the 
newspapers ; for Lady North's* ease and well being is the concern, 
not only of those to whom she is known, but to all who have heard 
what with justice is said of her. God be thanked, that an accident^ 



* Lady Lewisuam, her Daughter, married Lord North and Guilford, in January, 1735-6. 



224 THE LIFE OF 

which might have been of very ill consequence, has passed over as if it 
had never happened ; so very well, (Lady Clark tells me,) as to tend 
rather to the strengthening, than weakening of the part affected. I 
hope her Ladyship will never make a third unwary step, or suffer any 
disaster, that may interrupt the happiness which all people wish to 
her Lord and herself. 

I take it for granted, that Mrs. Knightley has told you how much 
the pleasure she promised herself in her son's visit, was checked by 
the indisposition he fell into soon after his coming to Berkswell. She 
might have comfort in considering of what importance it was to his 
safety to have him under her care, and how anxiously she would have 
borne his illness in another place ; but she could have none of that 
enjoyment which his health and vivacity would have given her, and I 
fear it made some impression upon her tender constitution : his Father 
visited him every day, and went back to Offchurch at night. 

Mr. Biddulph,* of Birbury, lies dangerously ill of a rheumatism : His 
Doctor gives little hopes of his recovery, and if his sickness proves 
mortal, he will leave a very disconsolate Widow ; but when she 
considers, that she and her husband have lived upwards of fifty-four 
years together, she cannot think it hard that Providence should part 



* Simon Biddulph of Birbury, Esquire, married Jane Byrche, eldest Daughter of Serjeant Byrche, 
of Leacroft, in 1682. He died this year, leaving several children, the eldest of whom Edward, was the 
Father of the late Sir Theophilus, who succeeded to the title in May, 1743, on the death of his Great- 
uncle without issue, in that year. Mrs. Jane Biddulph died 1755, aged 95. The late Sir Theophilus, 
married Jane his first Cousin, Grand-daughter of Simon and Jane Biddulph, now living. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



225 



them. The young heir is but sixteen, an hopeful youth, of good 
understanding, just preparing for the University : he has six brothers 
and sisters, all well favoured, under the care of a very sensible, prudent 
mother, and I doubt not but their Grand-father has made decent 
provision for them. I should not trouble your Ladyship with so 
particular an account of this family, but that it is not altogether 
unknown to you, and I am sure your good-nature extends to it. 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXIL 

October 23 rd, 1736. 

MADAM, 

I have the pleasure of hearing from my friends in . 
Town, that Lady Kaye has spent the summer out of it, to all the 
advantage that air and exercise could give her : she is now, they tell 
me, in Bond-Street, cheerful and lively, full of good humour and 
becoming gaiety ; so very well, as not to seem in danger of suffering 
any impression from the severity of the coming season : this agreeable 
account of her health is not more welcome to any of her friends than 
to myself ; and may the blessing be of long, very long, continuance ! 
You would be happy , Madam, to the extent of your wishes, had Lady 
North recovered her strength ; but till that returns, we know her 
dear Mother can have but a poor enjoyment of herself: the slow 
paces by which she gains ground may, perhaps, contribute to their 
security, and then her patience will be exercised to good purpose, you 
will see her Ladyship tread firm and steady, and no longer timorous, 

GG 



226 



THE LIFE OF 



as when you were at Wroxton.* I pleased myself with thinking you 
might have been tempted from thence into Warwickshire, when old 
Berkswell-Hall would have put on its best airs to receive you, and 
where the good Ladies have need enough of such a cordial as your 
presence would have brought ; but that, I perceive, could not consist 
with your measures,, they have lost that delightful interview ; and I 
am disappointed in the hope I had nattered myself withal, that had 
you gone thither, Hartlebury would have been very little out of your 
road, and I might once more have the honour of seeing you. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXIV. 

November 27th, 1736. 

MADAM, 

Had I heard of your Ladyship's dangerous illness 
whilst you were under the severity of it, I beg leave to say that no 
servant you have would have been more sensibly affected than myself, 
or does now more sincerely rejoice in your recovery. Your health, 
God be thanked, is again restored ; and may it be established for many 
years ! may the churlish months that are coming on pass over your 
head without making further impression than what a muff or a tippet 
can guard against, and may your Ladyship cheerfully feel all the good 
wishes which the approaching season will of course bring ! 



* A seat of Lord Guilford, in Oxfordshire. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



227 



The News-writers tell us Mrs. Mary Jennens* died lately, as she 
frequently lived, in a public Inn. Her retired humour was out of the 
common road, and the method she took to conceal herself from all 
her relations very unaccountable : it gave them just cause to suspect, 
that whenever she left her great fortune, it might probably fall into 
the hands of such as were strangers to her blood, and neither her own 
prudence, nor the interest of her kindred, be considered in the disposal ; 
but herein she has deceived the world, if, as we are told, she has made 
a Will, whereof her Uncle Jennens is Executor, and given her estate 
to a family that had a reasonable expectation from her. I cannot but 
wish, and so I dare say does your Ladyship, that the young Ladies at 
Packington had been thought of for a part, who are as near to her as 
any, and none more deserving ; but the whole, it seems, is bequeathed 
to Mrs. Hanmer, who has lived discreetly and bred up her children 
carefully, and much good may it do them ! 

Lord Aylesford expresses much satisfaction in having given his fine 
daughter to Lord Andover; f the alliance is honourable, and, for the 
convenience of the Lady, she will be settled at an easy distance from 
all her nearest relations ; Lord Berkshire, likewise, is not less pleased 
than her father, and there are valuable circumstances in the match ; 
but Lord Aylesford declares his chief was the future happiness of his 
child, which, with God's blessing, he thiuks he has provided for : 



* She was first Cousin to the rich Mr. Jennens, of .Acton. She never married, and had great 
singularities : She left her fortune to her Aunt, Hester Jennens, married to William Hanmer, Esquire, 
of Flintshire. Her Executor was Charles Jennens, Esquire, her eldest Uncle. 

f William Howard Viscount Andover, Son of the Earl of Berkshire. He succeeded to the Earldom of 
Suffolk, and married Mary, second Daughter of the Earl of Aylesford. 

G G 2 



228 



THE LIFE OF 



poor Lady Aylesford was confined by the Gout, and could neither 
appear at the ceremony of the marriage, nor share in the rejoicings 
that succeeded. 

Just now I hear of Mr. Lewis's death, and I am heartily sorry for 
it ; he was tenderly careful in the education of his Grand-son, and 
God knows whether the disconsolate Widow may be able to manage 
a great estate and a young Lord who is growing up, so dexterously as 
he did, and would have done. 

I pray for a happy hour to Lady North, and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXV. 

February 11th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

I had a more than ordinary pleasure in the receipt 
of your last Letter, which informed me not only of your Ladyship's 
having escaped the inclemency of the winter, but of the growing 
hopes of your dear little Lord. He is certainly a fine youth, and the 
fondness of a parent does not make you overvalue him ; for I have 
lately seen three of his school-fellows, who speak of him as your 
Ladyship does, and their testimony on the favourable side is beyond 
expectation ; young gentlemen of their age, having a great deal of 
emulation among themselves, and being much more inclinable to 
remark upon each other's failings and imperfections, than to observe 



BISHOP HOUGH 



22Q 



what is commendable in them. I doubt not, but, with God's blessing, 
he will live to support the honour of his house, and to carry it as 
high as the best of his Ancestors have ever done.* Time is requisite 
to open and disclose those good qualities which now begin to discover 
themselves in him ; but your Ladyship has health and vivacity to 
enable you to observe and encourage their progress, and to see them 
ripen to perfection. 

Nobody is so remote from Court, or so retired, as not to feel the loss 
of our late accomplished Queen ; and I do not wonder if it still sits 
heavy on your Ladyship's heart, who had frequent access to her person, 
and were always looked on with distinction. Her wisdom and address 
were of mighty influence, and I know nothing, but a speedy reconci- 
liation between the King and Prince, that can hinder us from perceiving 
how much we suffer in being deprived of them. 

The Widow Lady Holte died on Tuesday last, and I am told has 
engaged the Earl of Dartmouth in the affairs of the Aston family, as 
far as he will please to concern himself in them. Sir Lister Holte is 
now as much master of his estate as a gentleman under age can be. 
He is eighteen, and lives at Oxford in a very respectable manner. I 
take his lands not to be less than ^4,000 per annum ; and if he has no 
money, I believe he has no considerable debt : he is not to be called a 
proper man, but is really very agreeable ; and if Lord Dartmouth 
thinks fit to bestow his daughter upon him, every body in that neigh- 



* This was the late Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of State in 1772, a most amiable and accomplished 
Nobleman. The event fully justified the Bishop's prediction. He died in 1801 aged seventy. 



230 



THE LIFE OF 



bourhood thinks it may be convenient, and a happy match on both 

sides. . 

Mr. Clerk, the Grand-son of Sir Gilbert, is, it seems, to be the 
happy man, in possession of the great heiress Miss Pole :* his estate 
in land is very considerable, he is said to have a large fund in money, 
and when her fortune is added to it, there will not be above three or 
four Commoners in England, more considerable than he will be ; but 
this is Derbyshire news, and I dare say you have it from Mrs. Wilmot 
with more particulars. This place affords nothing worth your knowing, 
unless you please to think it so, that I am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXVI. 

April 25th, ]737- 

MADAM, 

The last Newspapers have given me the pleasure of 
knowing that Lady North is safely delivered under your Ladyship's 
roof, and that she and her little one are as well as can be expected. I 
could not read without concern, that my Lady was forced to quit her 
own house abruptly, and to leave one f of the young Ladies behind her, 
seized with that distemper, which of all others is most dreaded by, and 



* Daughter and heiress of German Pole, Esquire, of Radburn in Derbyshire. This marriage took 
place in July, 1738. 

f Louisa, born March, 1737 ; married in 1701 to Lord Willoughby de Broke. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



231 



most pernicious to, the fair sex ; but, with God's blessing, it may pass 
over easily, and leave no remembrance of itself ; and since it was not 
to be escaped, it is certainly a happy circumstance, that it comes in a 
seasonable age, wherein the mind cannot be disturbed by reflections 
on what a beautiful face may suffer, though life be not threatened. 

I hope those tender cares in which your Ladyship is exercised at 
this time, are in no respect prejudicial to your health ; and then I am 
sure you do not grudge to have your rest sometimes interrupted at 
home, and your visits abroad intermitted. When my Lady is per- 
fectly well and at liberty, may she return to her noble Lord with joy, 
and receive the little Lady into her arms unhurt and unaltered ! I 
had a letter from good Mrs. Wilmot the other day, wherein she wished 
very kindly, that Lord Guernsey had an opportunity of shewing 
himself to Miss Pole. He is a sprightly youth, well tempered, and 
well disposed, every way qualified to appear with advantage ; but not 
very likely to recommend himself, as I hear. 

I hear every body speak of the younger Mr. Wilmot,* as one who 
already makes a figure at the Bar, and has as fair a prospect before him, 
as many who have risen to the highest Posts in the Law. His cousin 
Knightley, is likewise hopeful and very deserving ; nor can we observe 
them, without reflecting on the good Providence of God, that has 
formed them to cheer their dear Mothers' hearts. Your Ladyship 



* John Eardley Wilmot, Esquire, Second Son of Robert Wilmot, Esquire, of Osmaston in the county 
of Derby, then in his 28th year. He and his cousin Knightley, were the Sons of both Lady Kaye'e 
Sisters. 



232 



THE LIFE OF 



has many such blessings, who will be growing up every day more 
amiably to endear themselves; and that you may long, very long, have 
comfort in them, is the most affectionate prayer of, 

Madam, &c. 

LETTER XXXVII. 

October 15th* 1737. 

MADAM, 

Some months have passed since your Ladyship 
honoured me with a letter, for which I ought to return my earliest 
and humblest thanks ; but you were then preparing to go into a sweet 
retirement near Epsom, and I should not think it reasonable to pursue 
you thither ; for I was heretofore no stranger to the mineral waters, 
and whilst I drank them was always forbidden to read or write Letters, 
or apply my thoughts to any thing more serious than the innocent 
amusements of the place. I hope they have entertained your Ladyship 
to the utmost advantage, and sent you home with a stock of spirits 
sufficient to bid defiance to the inclemencies of the coming season. 

I lately had a Letter from good Mrs. Wilmot, wherein she speaks, 
with a good deal of satisfaction, of her Son's* being in Ireland, with 
the Lord Lieutenant. His Grace has the character of great honour and 
sincerity, the two most valuable qualities that can dwell in a noble 



* The late Sir Robert Wilmot, Baronet, Father of the present Sir Robert Wilmot, of Csmaston near 
Derby. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



233 



breast, and I dare say he will provide handsomely for him, if he can : 
but his best, and most frequent opportunities of gratifying his friends, 
and servants, are in the Army, and the Church ; on neither of which 
your Nephew has his eye, and as for civil employments, they do not 
fall every day. Many competitors appear for those that are 
considerable, some of whom may probably bring intimations from 
Court, not easy to be overlooked : I cannot therefore be extremely 
sanguine in my expectation of the young Gentleman's promotion ; 
but he is in the right to try how far the Duke of Devonshire's favour 
may carry him, and possibly his success may exceed his hopes. It is 
commonly observed that, in the course of life, almost every bod)^ has 
a lucky hit, and we will hope to hear of his meeting with it in Dublin. 

Not many days since Lord and Miss Foley made me a neighbourly 
visit, and I was really surprized in seeing to how great a degree the 
Lady had recovered her strength ; she twice went up thirty steps to 
poor Mrs Townshend, who was not able to wait on her below ; she 
seemed to cf^f it without difficulty, or fear ; and gave me no small 
pleasure in saying that she doubted not but by the time of her return 
to Town, Lady North would be as easy and as nimble as herself. I 
beg leave to present my most humble service to her Ladyship, and am, 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XXXVIII. 

December 18th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

Your Ladyship does me a great deal of honour in the 
kind concern you are pleased to own for my health, and for aught I 

II H 



234 



THE LIFE OF 



know, I have it at this time in as good a degree as seven years since. 
The indisposition you heard of befel me in the autumn; .it was a 
violent pain in my right arm, which continued fourteen hours without 
intermission : the doctor called it a rheumatism ; indeed I thought 
it so, and felt it almost insupportable ; but a dose of laudanum brought 
me to slumber, I awaked entirely at ease, and blessed be God ! have 
been so ever since. Your Ladyship's even temper makes every place 
agreeable where you are, and I really believe contributes not a little 
to make the air you breathe wholesome : you have found it so this 
winter, whilst every body in Town complained ; and I pray God, the 
health you now enjoy may be established in a long course of happy 
years ! You tell me, Madam, you bad been at Court, and saw the 
King and Queen cheerful : good God ! how dreadfully is the scene 
changed? and how dark a cloud has it brought over our heads : in 
good truth I can think of nothing else but the irreparable loss we have 
had in a most accomplished Lady, who was an ornament to the Crown 
and a blessing to us all ; and if some means be not found out whereby 
the King and Prince may come to a better understanding than is 
betwixt them at present, one dreads to look forward to the consequences 
that may follow.* Your Ladyship hints an expedient, which you 
met with in conversation ; but I look upon it as no more than town- 
talk : it can be no more, for the difficulties that lie in the way will 
never be got over ; but if it could be brought to bear in good earnest, 
I am not one of those who would wish to obstruct it. 



* This unhappy misunderstanding had existed sometime, and is accurately explained in the Reverend 
Sir. Coxe's interesting Memoirs of Sir Robert Walpole^ol. ii., chap. 48, p. 442, 8th Edition. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



235 



At this time of the year no intercourse passes without abundance of 
good wishes, and I beg leave to say that you and Lady North have 
mine in the fullest measure and with utmost sincerity. I am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXIX. 

February 7th, 1738-9. 

MADAM, 

About three months since I had the honour of a 
letter from your Ladyship, so obliging in every part, that I may seem 
unpardonable in not having returned my humble thanks for it before 
now ; but in good earnest, I have grown almost weary of my pen, and 
seldom take it in hand without reluctancy, especially when I attempt 
to own the favors of my friends ; for then I am in confusion, 
discovering how little I have to say, more than that an old insigni- 
ficant servant of theirs is still living ; an information which, God 
knows, deserves not to be often repeated, though I have the vanity to 
flatter myself your Ladyship will sometimes be pleased to hear it. I 
therefore, take the liberty to tell you, that the winter has hitherto 
passed favourable over my head, and made me feel no more than the 
common severities of it ; and I hope the case has been the same with 
your Ladyship and all yours. Lady North, I hear, had the good 
fortune to discover a fire in its beginning, so near to her Lord and 
herself, as might have been of dreadful consequence ; but blessed be 
God ! the fright was soon over and the damage not great. I hope they 
have many years to come that will be happy in every circumstance ; 

h h 2 



230 



THE LIFE OF 



and always continue, as they are, eminent examples of mutual amity 
and prudent conduct ; virtues, which common report says, have not 
been sufficiently cultivated of late in some noble families. 

Your Ladyship looks upon Mrs. Vernon* as a very discreet Widow, 
and we in this country had abundant proof of her good sense in every 
instance ; but I cannot agree with you, Madam, in consenting she 
should obstinately keep as she is ; for I am sure she made an incom- 
parable Wife, and why should she deny that character to one who 
may be worthy of it? There is a noble Widower, t inferior to 
nobody in good-nature and complaisance, whose quality and fortune 
need no increase, and who is not ignorant of her merit : if he desires 
the possession of it, can you in reason withhold it from him ? I advise 
you to consider better of it ; for if you do not let him have her, you 
cannot imagine how many you will disoblige, and none more than, 

Madam, &c. 

LETTER XL. 

January 13th, J 739-40. 

MADAM, 

I am perfectly out of countenance in finding myself 
honoured with a letter from your Ladyship, before I had returned my 
most humble thanks for a former, that still lies before me : old age 



* Eowater Vernon, Esquire, married twice, first, Maria, Daughter of George Wheeler, Esquire, who 
died in 1721, a few weeks after marriage, second, Jane, Daughter of Thomas Cornwallis, of Abermarles, 
in Carmarthenshire : He died November, 17S5, leaving a Widow and several children. 

t Probably one of the Bishop's neighbours and friends. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 237 

and its indolence are all that can excuse me; they are saucy infirmities, 
that plead Privilege, and I flatter myself your good-nature will indulge 
them. I cannot say that I am quite disabled to think, or write; but 
neither my head nor my hand are so active as they have been, and I 
dare say, you do not wonder at it. 

Your Ladyship tells me the frost pinches, in Town ; the Country 
always feels it in greater extremity. I can truly say, I was not so 
sensible of cold in 1683, as I am now ;* but I have fuel enough, and 
do not spare it ; which, with the other ordinary provisions of warm 
clothes, and warm food, have fortified me, hitherto, against its utmost 
rigour. 

I should have been sincerely troubled at your Ladyship's and Lord 
Lewisham's indisposition, had I known the time when you were under 
it ; but now, God be thanked ! you both are well, and I have only the 
delightful part of congratulating your recovery. Something of a 
disorder in the beginning of a hard season, is looked upon as a sort of 
security against the future ill effects of it ; and I hope your Ladyship 
and the young Lord will verify the observation by experience. 

When you see Mrs. Vernon, you will please to present my most 
obedient service to her : I rejoice to hear of her son's improvement : 
I heartily pray for her good health ; and with my warmest wishes for 
the welfare and happiness of the most valuable Lady North, and her 
children, am, 

Madam, &c. 



* The Bishop was then in his 90th year, and this, and the subsequent Letters, are written full as well 
as his Letters of an earlier period. 



238 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XLI. 

April 9th, 1740. 

MADAM, 

The Letter your Ladyship honoured me with by 
the last post, makes me understand more of what passes in Town, than 
I learn from all the rest of my friends put together. They inform me 
how the winter has passed over their heads, and are kindly inquisitive 
how it fares with me ; but seldom speak of any thing beyond ourselves: 
whereas, we, who are remote from the great scene of business, listen 
after News * of every sort, and are amused in hearing of other people, 
though we neither know them, nor are concerned in their affairs. I am 
personally known to few of our Nobility ; but the Peerage of England, 
and that of Scotland, make me very well acquainted with all their 
families, and I really have pleasure in hearing they are likely to be 
well supported. The young Lords whom your Ladyship mentions, 
seem to have chosen properly for themselves, or their friends for them ; 
and the Baronet, I presume, has more than ordinary merit, that 
recommends him to Lady Betty Seymour. We in this county, wished 
to have seen her Ladyship at Whitley, where there is a sweet seat, a 
great estate, and a Lord extremely valuable in himself: perhaps such 
a thing was neA^er thought of, on either side ; but we who love his 



* This was the case, also, with the late Sir Edward Wilmot, Baronet, Physician to his late Majesty, 
who died in 1786, aged 93, and whom the Editor corresponded with till within a few months of his 
death, which took place at his Daughter's in Dorsetshire, on a Sunday. He had the service read to him 
in the morning, and after hearing the Newspaper read to him in the evening, expired before night without 
a groan, and with perfect resignation. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



239 



Lordship, and are eager to have him (as we say,) settled in the world, 
could think of none more suitable to him — and he deliberates. Mrs 
Vernon is very obliging in remembering her old and humble servant, 
who is not wanting on his part to pray for her health, and the establish- 
ment of it : Her friends in Worcestershire retain no small degree of 
honour and esteem for her ; and if their best wishes can prevail, she 
will have no indisposition or disquiet, but live to see her children 
hopefully brought up, and have lasting comfort in the enjoyment of 
them. Your Ladyship sees descendants from yourself in two noble 
Houses : may the blessing of God be upon them, and may you have 
that charming pleasure, which none but a parent can feel, of observing 
their daily improvement in every thing suitable to their quality. 

I beg leave to present my most obedient service to my Lord and 
Lady North, and am, 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XLIL 

June 3d, 1740. 

MADAM, 

I had the honour to receive your Ladyship's Letter 
of May 6th, which was very entertaining throughout, and in part 
extremely surprizing ; for without presuming to inquire into the 
reasons of the Duke of Argyle's dismission from Court, and the King's 
journey to Hanover, I could not choose but look upon them both, as 
very unluckily timed. Perhaps his Majesty was so well informed in 



240 



THE LIFE OF 



the state of the King of Prussia's* health, as to be aware his decease 
was very near ; and it may be of greater consequence than we may 
imagine, for him to be at an easy distance from the new King, with 
whom he may without much trouble have an interview, or at least 
hold frequent correspondence upon the present posture of their 
respective affairs. I hope, however, that we shall have his Majesty 
at home again within the time limited, and matters so ordered as to 
bring the noble Duke (of whose sincerity and abilities I have an high 
opinion) into his Majesty's Councils and confidence, as heretofore. 
Your Ladyship has heard of Lady Aylesford'st death at Bath, of the 
small-pox, a distemper which every body thought she had successfully 
passed through in her early years ; but it did not hinder it from being 
now fatal to her. She was carried this morning from thence to be 
privately interred at Packington, which place, with all the lands 
belonging to it, Lord Guernsey^: enters into the immediate possession 
of; so that I fancy your Ladyship will think, he has wherewithal to 
live up to his rank. With my warmest prayers for all imaginable 
happiness to you and yours, 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Frederic William King of Prussia, died 31st May, 1740; leaving by Sophia Dorothy, Daughter of 
George 1., a Son, Frederic the II. 

f Mary Daughter and Heir of Sir Clement Fisher of Packington died in May, 1740, leaving Heneage 
the late Earl of Ayltsford and four Daughters. 

% Heneage, mentioned in the preceding note : he married October, 1750, Charlotte Daughter of 
Charles, Duke of Somerset, leaving the present and 4th Earl and a numerous family. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



241 



LETTER XLIII. 

July 21st, 1740. 

MADAM, 

The first fit of the Gout is generally entertained 
with little reluctance, and people are accustomed to make a compliment 
of it ; but till your Ladyship tells me how you like it, I shall not be 
so forward as to wish you joy. I hope it comes in a kindly manner, 
to carry off some humours that had gained ground by want of exercise; 
but when it has done that service, I shall not be sorry to have many 
years pass before your Ladyship hears of it again : for after all that 
can be said, it is at best but physic which is by no means welcome 
upon its own account. I presume your Ladyship is now perfectly 
well, and I will not allow any Servant you have more heartily to wish 
the continuance of your health than I do. 

You are troubled, Madam, for the loss of Lady Ann Holte,* and I 
believe so young a person could not be more universally lamented 
than she has been ; but she is happier than the best of her friends 
can wish her : it is only the weakness of human nature, in spite of 
their judgments, that moves their passions on her account. Poor Sir 
Lister is the object, the only proper object, of our pity! for I really 



* Ann, Wife of Sir Lister Holte, Daughter of William Earl of Dartmouth, by Ann, Daughter of 
Heneage Earl of Aylesford. Sir Lister married twice afterwards, but died without issue. 

I I 



242 



THE LIFE OF 



think, there is not a more sorrowful Widower than himself : He was to 
my knowledge a true Lover before marriage ; and as the Lady's good 
qualities opened upon him, they heightened his esteem, every day 
discovered something that was a new cause of endearment ; and to be 
unexpectedly deprived of all at once, is a trial too great for a young 
philosopher. Indeed, I am extremely concerned for him : his relations 
are apprehensive his present situation may make too deep impression 
upon his fancy, and think it not advisable for him to continue in the 
melancholy scene. I am by no means a friend to those excursions 
that our nobility and gentry make, into foreign countries, at their first 
setting out in the world ; but, upon this occasion, I think it is con- 
venient for a gentleman to go from home ; and when he mourns in 
good earnest, it is well if any place can give him ease. 

The misunderstanding in a great family is so variously talked of, 
that a looker-on knows not what to make of it : a disagreement there 
is, that is certain ; for they are actually parted ; but for what cause is 
so differently reported, that a man knows not what to believe, and I 
wish it may always be a riddle. I am sure your Ladyship is sorry for 
it — so am I, and, as old as I am, would go a great way to make up 
the breach ; but I doubt it is too wide. 

I am mightily glad to hear that Lady Anne Finche * has escaped 
the small-pox so well as she has done. The chicken kind leaves 



* Daughter of Heneage, the Second Earl of Aylesford: she died unmarried in September, 1793, 
aged 80. 



I3ISHOP HOUGH. 



243 



no impression behind them ; and, therefore, I have nothing to 
wish on the part of a Lady whom they have lately visited, but that it 
may be very long before she hears of any other indisposition or 
infirmity. 

I am, Madam, 

Your Ladyship's, 

Most obedient, faithful Servant, 

JO. WORCESTER, t 



f Lady Kaye, to whom these Letters are addressed, died in 1740, in her 70th year. 



LETTERS 



FROM 

DR. HOUGH, BISHOP OF WORCESTER, 

TO 

MRS. MARY KNIGHTLEY* 
LETTER I. 

Hartlebury,f October 17th, 1724. 

MADAM, 

The pleasing hint you gave me in your letter, that 
I may sometimes be happy in hearing from Offchurch, is very kind, 
and I beg leave to assure you, with much sincerity, that I shall think 
myself honoured in it ; for friends at a distance, without some corre- 
spondence, are in a manner lost to each other, and hear only by 
accident of their mutual affairs, which is an insipid, second-hand 



* One of the Daughters and Co-heiresses of Sir Samuel Marow, Baronet, of Berkswell, in the 
County of Warwick, married to John Knightley, Esquire, only Son of John Wightwick, Esquire, 
of Offchurch in that County. He had taken the name of Knightley in addition to his own, from having 
been adopted by Sir John Knightley, of Offchurch, Baronet, who died in lfJSS, aged 56. 

f The Bishop being born in 1651, was at this time in his 74th year, and was returned to his See at 
Hartlebury, in Worcestershire. He seldom, if ever, afterwards attended Parliament, or visited the 
Metropolis. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



245 



intelligence, and entirely destitute of that life and spirit, which a 
direct intercourse betwixt themselves raises. The many excellent 
qualities Lady Marow was mistress of, gave her an universal esteem : 
they who are descended from her have the same merit, they are her 
daughters, her daughters in the best resemblance ; and as I was 
allowed to think myself one of those who had a place in her Lady- 
ship's friendship, I am proud to find I am continued in theirs ; it is, 
therefore, my interest to cultivate the good disposition your Ladyship* 
has towards me, and it is for that reason I write now, without waiting 
to expect the pleasure you promise me. 

I have a real good will and honour for Lord , and heartily 

rejoice in the welfare of his family. He has two Sons, and so have 
you : there is no danger that either of yours should be like his elder, 
but the younger is very agreeable in his person and character ; he 
prospers accordingly, and with God's blessing so will both yours. 
With most humble service to Mr. Knightley, and Mrs. Marow, t 

I am, 

Madam, 

Your most obedient, faithful servant, 

JO. WIGORN. 



* The property at Beikswell being divided between Mis. Knightley and her Sisters as co-heiresses, 
and the Manor falling to Mrs. Knightley, might perhaps occasion her this appellation of Ladyship, 
f Her elder Sister, Elizabeth, who lived with her. 



240 THE LIFE OF 

LETTTER II. 

November 2nd, 172 i. 

MADAM, 

On the 17th in the morning I addressed myself to 
your Ladyship, and in the evening had the pleasure of reading yours, 
wherein every thing is expressed in that agreeable turn, which 
entertains a reader, at the same time that it instructs him. Tatler 
is a name that heretofore nobody was fond of, till a witty gentleman 
took it up and gave it credit amongst the men, and Mrs. Knightley is 
best qualified of any I know to make it bear a good character among 
the Ladies : much talk with little sense is what we commonly call 
tattle ; but where lively thoughts are well expressed, we shall never 
complain of plenty ; for it is not the abundant, but the insipid that 
nauseates. 

I wish, Madam, I could tell you of any thing from hence worth 
your notice, but no alterations have happened lately in any of our 
best families ; they are hurrying up to Town as fast as they can, and 
will leave this country very destitute of good company, which at the 
best has but a thin neighbourhood, and, (what helps to make it 
worse,) a spiteful river, often not fordable, interposes betwixt me and 
two or three Gentlemen of very good sense, with whom I could 
heartily wish to converse more frequently than I do. You have 
described a young Lady on your side, and I will tell you of one at 
no great distance from me, who has beauty, is well fashioned, and 
possessed of other good qualities to a greater degree than I ever saw 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



247 



in any one person. She is daughter to Sir Thomas Littelton,* who is 
blessed with eleven children of both sexes, and all handsome ; yet, 
perhaps, that might not help them off his hands, if he had not a noble 
estate, and did not perfectly understand the best management of it. 

I am still in pain for Lord Guernsey ; f having had a letter from 
Sir Clement Fisher, % when he was but on the mending plan, and none 
since : one has naturally a tenderness for hopeful children, and every 
body wishes to see them make good, in a full age, what their infancy 
promised. He is sensible, lively, and tractable : nobody can know him, 
and not have a degree of fondness for him ; but fondness is what 
parents and friends should with the utmost diligence guard against, 
considering how uncertain every thing in this life, and life itself, is. 

Be pleased to make my most humble service acceptable throughout 
your family, and give me leave to flatter myself that you esteem me, 

Madam, &c. 



* Of Hagley, in Worcestershire, which county he represented in Parliament. He married Christiana, 
Daughter of Sir Richard Temple, Baronet, a Sister of Lord Viscount Cobham. He died September, 1754, 
aged 65. They had, George, created Lord Littelton, the Historian and accomplished senator, and many 
other children. 

-f- Eldest Son of the Earl of Aylesford. 

+ Sir Clement Fisher, of Packington, County of Warwick, was the Bishop's Brother-in-law, he 
having married Lettice, the eldest Sister of Sir Clement, a Widow of Sir Charles Lee, of Billesley, in the 
County of Warwick. Lord Guernsey was Sir Clement's Son-in-law, he having married his sole daughter 
Mary. Sir Clement was the eldest Son of Thomas Fisher, Esquire, of Walshall, in the Parish of 
Meriden, County of Warwick, his elder Brother, Sir Clement, having Hied without issue in the year 1683. 



248 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER III. 

January 2nd, 1724. 

MADAM, 

Mr. Lugg * is a friend whom I have reason to 
value and am always glad to see, but he came more welcome to me 
out of Warwickshire by the favour he brought in his hand from Off- 
church. I have few neighbours, especially in Parliament time : it is 
not often that I see them, and when we do meet, the conversation 
turns upon indifferent things, and little passes to occasion agreeable 
reflections ; but good sense in manuscript, is what we may dwell upon 
with pleasure : we can oblige the author to repeat, over and over again, 
those thoughts and expressions we are so much taken with, and every 
time find out new beauties in them, with this great advantage, that 
modesty is not provoked on one side, nor does satiety rise on the 
other. For this reason, I have often thought it no small happiness 
to have friends at a distance, who are so good as to think of us, and 
so kind as to let us know it ; and I really believe, it would prove to 
our loss, if we could see each other so often as we desire it. 

We have been amused of late with abundance of matches, in Town 
and country, which naturally carries us into the scenes of gaiety and 
joy, and opens the prospect to a long train of happiness, which we 
fancy the respective persons will succeed to, from their mutual 
agreement, and the plenty of their fortunes ; but are not all these 



A friend of Mrs. Kni°;htley, and an officer of the Bishop's, 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



249 



imaginations damped, when we think on the early, unexpected loss, 
which Mr. Bowes has suffered, who is said to have been passionately- 
fond of his fine young Lady, and little dreamed of parting with her 
so soon ? nor could one of her age expect to be so suddenly snatched 
from him ; but the fatal hour has passed upon her, and has given us 
an eminent instance of the vanity of this world and all that is in it, 
how deceitful its allurements are, and with how much caution and 

resignation we ought to entertain them!* Lord 's Title, with 

the Estate entailed upon it, reverts now to his male heir. What pity 
it is, that there is not a better understanding between him and his 
father ! the fault, undoubtedly, is in the young Gentleman ; but since 
the honors must inevitably descend to him, I cannot but hope that 
measures may be thought on, whereby he may return to his duty, and 

become acceptable to his family. Indeed, I love Lord , and 

pray heartily that whilst he suffers so much in his limbs, he may at 
least have ease in his mind. 

I ought to close with something respectful ; but when I reflect that 
you apologize, I find a strong inclination in myself to chide : for give 
me leave to tell you, that you affront my understanding, and imply 
that age has deprived me of taste, when you imagine your pen can 
overflow whilst it is directed to, 

Madam, &c. 

I beg leave to present humble service, and best wishes to all under 
your roof. 

* This Lady was the sole child of the Honourable Edward Verney, eldest Son of the Reverend George 
Verney, Lord Willoughby de Broke. Her Mother was Eleanor, Daughter of Thomas, Lord Leigh of 
Stoneleigh. 

K K 



250 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER IV. 

January 8th, 1725. 

MADAM, 

I hope the Holy-days have passed over cheerfully 
at Offchurch ; and this brings my best wishes, that the coming year 
may likewise, in every respect, be happy to yourself and your family : 
It has entered upon us very smartly, and pinches more severely by 
surprizing us all at once, before we had warning to be upon our guard. 
Rain and dirt we had in great abundance, but little cold till it came 
altogether ; and our greatest comfort now is, that if it continues till 
the roads are beaten, neighbours, well inclined, may become more 
sociable than the winter has hitherto allowed them to be ; at least, if 
the case be so in other countries as in this, where people have not been 
able to stir abroad with safety ; as your Ladyship will easily imagine, 
when I tell you the distance betwixt Mr. Townshend's house* and 
this place is computed but a mile, and yet we cannot contrive to see 
each other, without more hazard than the visit is worth ; so that I am 
destitute of any friend to help me to wear out these long evenings, and 
am likely to be so. Mr. Byrche intended me his company from Bath, 
but a fit of the gout arrested him at Fladbury ; and before he was well 
enough to prosecute his journey, the small-pox broke out in our 
Parish, and I have now forbidden him to come, for he is fearful, and 
not without reason. 



* At Elmley Lovett, near Hartlebury. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



251 



Lady Kaye I hear is very well ; Sir Arthur is better than he ex- 
pected to be ; and to complete their joy, Lady Lewisham goes on 
successfully. How happy is it that a Lady so discreet, and so every 
way deserving, is in the hands of one who discovers her merit, and 
knows how to value it ! Is not such a Lord preferable to ten 

thousand Dukes of ? What ridiculous, what childish stories, 

do we hear of his contempt and neglect of a fine woman, for no other 
reason, but because she is his own ! One is out of countenance, to 
think that so young a boy should have learned the cant of an old 
abandoned rake ; and I who loved his Father, and had the highest 
honor for his wise and good Grand-mother,* am grieved to hear it. 
Had God continued her understanding and lengthened her days to 
this time, what would she have thought, what would she have said? 
would she have imagined it possible for one descended from herself 
and her noble Lord, to have acted such a part ? Would she have 
believed, that such an heir could have sprung from the two great 
houses of Bedford and Southampton ? She could not entertain such 
a thought, or would certainly have sunk under it ; for this would have 
exceeded the greatest of her trials : all her former sufferings brought 
only sorrow and affliction, with which honour and a good conscience 
struggled, and to which they were superior ; but this would have 
brought shame, despicable shame, with it, of all things the most 
insupportable to a nice, unblemished mind ! 

I congratulate Lady Delves on her good fortune, and I think I may 



* Daughter of the good Earl of Southampton. The melancholy story of Lady Rachael Russell is 
well known. She never ceased to mourn the cruel and untimely death of her Husband : Constant 
v.teping impaired her sight and memory, and blindness ensued. She died in September, 172-3, aged 87. 

K K 2 



252 



THE LIFE OF 



say Sir Thomas too ; for I hear he is much pleased, and that the 
Lady carries herself with a decent complaisance, which cannot chuse 
but be engaging, to one who was not used to it in his former Wife's 
time. She governed, so ought this to do ; but her good sense will 
prevent her from letting the world, or even himself, discern it : it is 
the true art of maintaining a comfortable correspondence in a family ; 
and it was the saying of the Archbishop Dolben,* that " every good 
Husband willingly gave up the government to his Wife, but every 
prudent Wife kept the secret to herself." 

I beg leave to present my most humble service to Mrs. Knightley 
and Mrs. Marow, and my blessing to the two young Gentlemen, f 
and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER V. 

Hartlebury, August 1 1 th, 1725. 

MADAM, 

I was not at all pleased to hear of your journey to 
Bath, for I know you are not one of those Ladies that visit the place 



* Ancestor to the present worthy Baronet, Sir William Dolben. He had borne arms in his youth in 
the service of Charles I and II, and had been wounded more than once. He was bred at 
Westminster-school, and Christ-church Oxford, and afterwards went into Holy orders ; after the 
Restoration, he was made Dean of Westminster, Bishop of Rochester, and Archbishop of York. He was 
a man of abilities as well as virtue. Vide Granger, vol. iii., p. 245-G. 

f Her two Sons, Marow and John ; the latter of whom was his God-son and namesake ; They were 
then about thirteen and fourteen years of age. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



253 



for the diversions of it ; but am heartily glad to hear from Mr. Lugg, 
that you meet with the benefit you expected there, and I hope God 
will give it a lasting blessing to you ; for, (without a compliment,) your 
health is of no small consequence. Mr. Knightley and your sons 
have, indeed, the most immediate interest in it ; but every body has 
a part who has the honour to be known to you, and feel themselves 
touched in all that concerns you. 

Sir Arthur Kaye, from whom I had a Letter by the last Post, gave 
me but a poor account of my brother and sister Jennens ; * and I was 
troubled at it, till a later intelligence spoke more comfortably of them. 

Lord and Lady Lewisham will be in Town very soon, and I dare say 
their fond parents will not be disappointed in the frequent visits they 
expect from them. It were to be wished that Sir Arthur had returned 
to Windsor with a greater degree of strength ; but he is able to ride 
abroad, and will I fancy, if his feet keep easy, excuse them for not 
being altogether so nimble as heretofore. Permit me, Madam, to ask, 
whether it would break your measures to take Hartlebury in your 
way home? I would not seek a pleasure, that might not in some 
respect be serviceable to your Ladyship ; and therefore, I must put 
you in mind, that nobody should presently return to their usual cares 
from the place where you now are : a little ramble after the waters is 
not only allowed, but approved ; and if good air helps their kindly 



* Mrs. Jennens was his Wife's Sister, Elizabeth, one of the Daughters of Thomas Fisher, Esquire, 
of Walsh-hall, Meriden, Warwickshire, married to John Jennens, Esquire, of Bath, whose Sister Ann 
was married to Sir Clement Fisher, Baronet. 



254 



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operation, you will not find better than what we breathe. I am in a 
very plain way of living, but beg leave to assure you of a most hearty 
welcome. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER VI. 

Hartlebury, October 7th, 1725, 

MADAM, 

1 was delighted to hear from Bath, that you were 
kindly inclined to honour Hartlebury with your presence ; and I had 
immediately returned you my humble thanks for the welcome intima- 
tion, but that I then expected my Birbury * friends, and two of my 
Kinsmen Ey tons f out of Wales, and waited till I could say, that this 
place and the possessor of it, were entirely at your service : it is no 
small disappointment to me, that I say it now to no purpose ; but 
your letter of September 29th, forbids me any longer to entertain that 



* The Bishop was doubly related to the loyal and respectable family of the Biddulphs, originally of 
Staffordshire, one branch of which was early settled at Birbury, in the county of Warwick, to which place 
they afterwards removed, and are now established there. They had often intermarried with Bishop 
Hough's maternal relations, the Byrches of Leacroft, in Staffordshire. See the Plate of Alliances, 
and Kimber's Baronetage, vol. ii. 

f Of the ancient Family of Eyton-hall, in Denbighshire, who still remain at Eyton,' as they have done 
for many centuries : the present Keniic Edward Eyton, Esquire, informs me that he has now in his 
possession a Portrait of Bishop Hough, at the age of ninety-one, which must have been taken many 
years after this period, the Bishop being at this time only 74. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



255 



hope, and in truth gives me a sensible regret. I have the vanity to 
think you would have been amused here, not altogether disagreeably ; 
for the air is good, and it would have been my whole business 
and pleasure to have made it as beneficial to you as I could, by an 
entertainment, easy and without excess, and a conversation absolutely 
free from restraint. Your good-nature, Madam, would have made 
the one acceptable to you, and your good-sense, I am sure, will always 
chuse the other. I must honestly confess, I am not overjoyed with 
the prospect you set before me at a year's distance : it is quite out of 
sight to one so old as I am,* and I am ashamed of the presumption, 
when I offer to look so far before me ; but if it shall please God to 
prolong my life, and bless me with so much health ; as will enable me 
to relish good company, nobody can bring it to me with greater 
advantage than yourself, nor will any body be more truly welcome to, 

Madam, &c. 

P. S. You have obliged me by recounting such occurrences as 
Warwickshire affords ; and to make you amends, I will tell you what I 
hear by a letter from Paris, viz. that the new Queen -j- is no charming 
figure, as to her outward form. I always suspected as much; because 
the printed papers have been very silent upon that head, and flourished 
altogether on her moral accomplishments : they are, certainly, most 
to be valued; but as they are out of sight, it is made a question, 



* Then in his 75th year. 

f This was Mary *. ***, the Daughter of Stanislaus, the Duke of Lorrain and titular King of 
Poland. She was married to Louis XV. in 1725, and died June 24th, 1768. Their eldest Son, the 
Dauphin, father of that virtuous, hut unhappy monarch Louis XVI., died in December, 1766. 



250 



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whether he who has espoused them, is so well qualified to discern them 
as he ought to be. His face, they say, is fine, but his shape very 
indifferent, and his temper worse ; so that one may justly fear her 
tenure in his affections may prove but short-lived, and that her 
invisible beauties will be in danger of giving way to objects that too 
powerfully dazzle young eyes. 

LETTER VII. 

Hartlebury, March 19th, 1725-6. 

MADAM, 

Your Letters not only bring an honour, but an 
entertainment to me ; and I should with pleasure return my humble 
thanks for the last, but that the first lines really put me out of coun- 
tenance. It is well I read them alone ; for had company been present, 
they would have perceived me to look very simply. Forty years ago, 
a compliment might have touched my vanity ; but, indeed, I am too 
old to have any self-conceit remaining. Your friendship I truly 
value, and will be careful not to forfeit ; but I shall suspect my tenure, 
if you do not remember that it banishes ceremony. 

Nobody can love Sir Arthur and Lady Kaye, who does not rejoice 
in the prospect of seeing more derived from them ; and if Lady 
Lewisham passes well over this month, which, I have heard say, is 
reputed critical to people in her circumstances, we shall look forward 
with reasonable assurance to the time of her delivery, which I pray 
God may answer the utmost hope and expectation of both families. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



257 



I believe, Madam, you may have heard how wonderfully Lord 
Berkley* and two or three others, who have been crippled by the gout, 
have been restored to health and strength by a Dutch Physician. His 
method, as I am informed, is not difficult, (at least methinks nobody 
should esteem it so, who finds himself a prisoner and in pain,) it is 
only to be very regular in the course of a low diet, and to abstain 
from those spirituous liquors, that first brought and fed the distemper. 
Sir Arthur t no doubt has heard of his fame ; perhaps he has seen the 
good effects of his prescriptions, and I hope will become his patient. 

Good Lady Bowyerif: has had so many dangerous ill fits, that it is 
almost a miracle she has not sunk under them ; but the prayers 
of the poor are very prevalent, and as few people deserve them more 
than she does, so she seems often to have felt their kindly influence. 

I pity Mrs. Harvey, § who has need of the best health to support her 
in the present uncomfortable juncture. I am sure, Madam, your 
good-nature will carry you oftener to her than ordinary ; and you 
cannot give her better advice, than to lighten her cares, and let them 
sit as easy upon her mind as possible ; for giving way to them adds 



* The Third Earl of Berkley, who distinguished himself in the reign of Queen Anne; he was made an 
Admiral and K. G. in 1718. He died in 1736. 

f Meaning Sir Arthur Kaye, her Brother-in-law ; he was M. P. for Yorkshire, and died in July this 
year, without issue male. The Title went to his Nephew, Sir John Lister Kaye, Baronet. 

X This Lady was Frances, Daughter of Charles Cecil, Viscount Cranbourn, eldest Son of William Earl 
of Salisbury, K. G. She married Sir William Bowyer, Baronet, of Denham Court, Buckinghamshire. 

§ Probably this was the Wife of William Harvey, Esquire, of Chigwell, Essex, M. P. for that county 
in 1722, and descended from the ever memorable Physician, Dr. William Harvey. 

LL 



258 



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to their weight, and only makes them more difficult to be struggled 
with. Poor Mr. Lugg much laments the loss of his friend, (for so Mr. 
Harvey was to him,) and heartily wishes himself capable of doing any 
sort of service to his family ; but he is in an untowardly way himself; 
one day cheerful and sensible, as if nothing ailed him, the next day 
desponding, and scarcely knowing what he says or does : and so he goes 
on in a regular ague ; but it is of a very odd sort. Since we have had a 
few fine days he is much better, and as summer advances, I hope he 
will quite get the better of it ; otherwise, I shall be in great fear of 
losing the honestest and carefullest Officer I ever knew. 

Sir Robert Walpole has a genius of a very powerful influence, since 
it has brought Mr. Lewis* into his interests, a Gentleman reputed to 
be of almost contrary principles, and not likely to change his mind. 
His Daughter has been bred up not only in the prospect of a great 
inheritance, but, as I am told, with all imaginable care to make her 
worthy of it; so that the young man is likely to have a treasure in her 
person, much more valuable than all her riches ; and God grant they 
may happily enjoy both ! for I always wish our Ministers success in 
their justifiable endeavours to get good matches for their children, 
which establishes their families, and rewards their labours in the 
service of the crown and their country, without charge to either of 
them ; and let them have honours in God's name, so long as they find 
out these ways to support them. 

I have lost in Mr. Jennens f a kind and a useful friend, and the 



* Thomas Lewis, Esquire, of Farpton, in the county of Radnor, and M. P. for the Town of ditto. It 
is well known that the Welsh were generally hostile to Sir Robert Walpole. 

t Robert Jennens, Esquire, Son of Humphrey Jennens, Esquire. He had been in the Army, and 



BISHOP HOUGH. 259 

unexpected cause of his death should make us all sensible how soon 
we may cease to breathe, and how well we ought to live. The Son 
comes into great plenty, and if he manages and enjoys it as becomes 
him, it is a blessing of God, but generally overvalued ; if he suffers it 
to draw him into temptations, it is a curse. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER VIII. 

Hartlebury, October 5th, 1726. 

MADAM, 

Your Ladyship is so good as to express a concern 
that you could not honour us with a visit this Autumn ; but I am sure 
the loss is mine, for I am not always in good company, and know 
nothing that delights me more. We have had some very fine days of 
late, and it is pity they are so short and so subject to vary ; you seem 
to give me hope, as if the continuance of them might yet tempt you 
abroad ; and though I cannot but fear a change either in the weather 
or in your inclination, yet I shall earnestly wish that both may hold 
favourable to me ; for, at my time of day, a remote expectation is like 
the Sun in Winter, little seen, but less felt. 



died of an Apoplexy, February 1725-6. His only son, William, of Acton, in Suffolk, lived to a great 
age, viz. 'his 97th year, and died immensely rich, July, 1798. He had made a Will, but when he went 
to his Attorney to execute it, he had left his spectacles at home, and was prevented from sig-ning- it. 
He thus died Intestate. 

L L 2 



2(30 



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I should be sorry that you have parted with Mrs. Marow, if I did 
not consider how great a relief she will bring to Lady Kaye.* Her 
Ladyship, and her Daughter Lewisham, do but help to afflict one 
another ; both have sorrow at heart and it will be uppermost : but 
Mrs. Marow's prudence and good-sense will not suffer her to enter 
into an uncomfortable sympathy with them ; she knows it can serve no 
good purpose, and will find out indifferent subjects of discourse, that 
may draw them off insensibly from their own thoughts and reflections. 

I presume, Madam, you do not think of Winchester t till Spring, 
and if you then visit the place, you will find it very pleasant in itself, 
and I hope in all points to answer your expectations. The education 
in that School is chargeable, as it is in all the great ones ; but it leads 
to further studies, in which, if a Gentleman exercises himself seriously, 
he will be reputably qualified for any course of life ; and as my God- 
son will not forget that he has an elder Brother, I promise myself he 
will, by application to business, bring himself, in time, to be upon an 
equal foot with one. 

Mrs. Townshend returns her humble thanks for your kind enquiry 
after her ; she is not able to go out of the house, but is tolerably easy 
within it, and though her strength is little, I do not perceive that it 
has been impaired of late. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Her Husband, Sir Arthur Kaye, had died in July of this year, 1720. 
t Where she had thoughts of sending her two Sons to school. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



261 



LETTER IX. 

Hartlebury, March 20th, 1726-7 

MADAM, 

Yours of February 16th was extremely welcome, 
which brought the assurance of your good health, a blessing infinitely 
superior to all the other conveniences of life, and which enables us, 
with God's grace, to bear up against the cross accidents that chance or 
ill design may throw in our way. Make it, therefore, I beseech you, 
with the interest of your family, your chief worldly care ; not forgetting 
how much this last depends upon the former, and how irreparable a 
misfortune it would be to your children, if indisposition should hinder 
you from consulting, or actually concurring in such measures, as may 
be for their advantage. I must needs take the liberty to say, I was 
not quite pleased to find no mention of Winchester in your Letter ; it 
looks as if the thoughts of that place were suspended at least, if not 
laid aside. You may, perhaps, have discovered inconveniences in the 
design you had of going thither, which I may not be aware of ; but as 
often as I have considered it, it has, in truth, always been with entire 
approbation. There the young Gentlemen seem to me most likely to 
meet with a proper education ; and there we may reasonably hope, 
that you, Madam, will continue well, by breathing a very good air, 
which, though not preferable to your own in general, may, as it is a 
change, prove more beneficial to you ; especially, if we add to it the 
change of agreeable company, which you may daily enjoy, and which I 
find by experience, (or at least I think so,) to contribute as much to 
the kindly motion of my spirits, as meat and drink do to the recruit 



202 



THE LIFE OF 



of them. You will pardon me, that I enter with so much freedom 
into your concerns, whilst I cannot be ignorant of the excellent 
understanding and true judgment that discover themselves in your 
whole conduct ; but you allow me a place in your friendship, and it 
encourages me to express the impertinence of my good-will : you have 
no occasion for it, but I cannot forbear to shew it. 

The weather during this whole month, hitherto, has been seasonable 
and fine ; but I received a Letter yesterday, which has very much 
abated the pleasure I took in it. It was from Mrs. Kerr,* who I am 
sure will not be offended if I call her an old friend. She had hinted 
some time since, that she might be inclined to leave the smoky Town 
in Summer, and ramble among her country acquaintance. She can 
go no where without carrying good-sense and good-humour with her, 
which will always command a hearty welcome wherever they come ; 
and Offchurch, if the mistress of it were at home, would have drawn 
her to it by a natural sympathy. She gave me hope that Hartlebury 
should not be out of her way : but now I find her heart or her incli- 
nation fails : she speaks of travelling as a fatigue that may be too 
great, and seems to fear it, notwithstanding all our turnpikes : she 
talks of being fixed in Marlborough-street, and never likely to go far 
from it. That word never has a shocking sound, and I resolve not 
to entertain it, especially when it comes from the lips of a friend ; for 
she confesses her health is good, even better than it has been of late 
years : she bears her coach about the streets, which are not easier than 
our roads ; and I flatter myself she spake only from the ill influence of 



* Mentioned in the former Letters. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 2(53 

a cloudy moment, when the pen was in the hand, which soon blew 
over, and that her kind thoughts towards us will revive again. How- 
ever, if she remains in the same mind, give me leave, Madam, to tell 
you, that I have another reserve ; there is a good Lady who makes me 
believe, that she fully designed a visit into Worcestershire last year, 
had she not been called another way. She found what she went to 
seek, and I rejoiced, though I suffered by it : but I hope the same 
kind inclination remains, and shall think myself very unhappy if any 
thing unforeseen falls out to disappoint my expectations a second time. 

Your neighbour, Miss Wyndham,* was married, I am told, on 
Monday last ; they went down to Mr. Bromley's f noble seat, Horse- 
heath, in Cambridgeshire, to perform the ceremony, being willing to 
avoid the noise and impertinence, that are inseparable from a Town 
wedding. The Gentleman is very deserving ; he has good-sense, and 
has not thought it below him to improve it with learning. He is 
really sober, has a sweet even temper, and a cheerful easiness void of 
affectation, and I am very much mistaken, if he has not strength of 
judgment sufficient to guard him against all the insinuations of folly 
and vice, which commonly are too successful in their attacks upon the 
young and the rich ; and, to add to the Lady's happiness, she is his 
peculiar choice, from a sincere liking of her person without any regard 
to her fortune, which he by no means wants. You will see them no 
doubt, at Watergall ere long, and I believe and hope very happy. 



* Sister and Heir to Sir Francis Wyndham, of Trent, County of Somerset. 

f Henry Bromley, Esquire, created Lord Montfort in 1741. He died in 1755, leaving Thomas 
Second Lord Montfort. 



204 



THE LIFE OF 



Your Sons already have sense, and are in the way (with God's blessing 
and their own endeavours,) of having all the good qualities that 
accomplish this young Gentleman, and that they may likewise have 
his good fortune, is the hearty wish of, 

Madam, &c. 

LETTER X. 

June 12th, 1727. 

MADAM, 

For aught I hear, the late unseasonable weather has 
been universal ; complaints of it come from all quarters ; the roads 
are said to be worse than at Christmas, and in this country our great 
appearance of plenty in all kinds is in no small danger from the rains 
that have fallen almost without intermission ; the meadows are floated, 
and the corn looks sickly ; but I rejoice that your family is no longer 
so, though under confinement, and my confidence is in the Scotch 
Almanack, which gives no other account of weather but only, long fair, 
long foul ; long foul, long fair. Of the foul I hope we have had our 
share ; and when the fair comes, it will with God's blessing bring us 
together, and give a quicker sense to the pleasure of our meeting, than 
if it had never been interrupted. 

Mrs. Jennens* has built a noble House, and has so good a taste in 
the choice of furniture, that there is no doubt of its being nicely fitted 



* The Widow of Robert Jennens, Esq. who died in 1725, and Mother of the rich William Jennens, 
Esq. of Acton, which latter lived to his 97th year. See p. 259. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 265 

up. She has one Bed particularly of her own work ; it is patchwork, 
but so very fine, so well-fancied, and so extremely well executed, that, 
according to the description I have heard of it, nothing but the famous 
Feather-work can exceed it. There is said to be a vast sum of money 
betwixt her and her son, which is an alluring bait to the Duchess of 
Marlborough ; otherwise I should wonder that her Grace thought of 
an alliance with a young Gentleman, whose Father and mother she was 
very fond of, and from whom she afterwards estranged herself in an 
unkind manner ; but riches draw towards riches, as naturally as iron 
does to the loadstone. 

The weather-glass rises, the Heavens look promising, we hope the 
Sun will shine upon us with more constancy and fervency than he has 
done of late, and then I flatter myself you will take the first opportunity 
to honour, 

Madam, Yours, &c. 



LETTER XI. 

Hartlebury, July 24th, J 727. 

MADAM, 

By this time I take it for granted that you are 
returned out of Derbyshire, and I can no longer forbear to give you 
my humble thanks for the Letter you honored me with before you 
went thither. 

I am proud that you rank me in the number of your Friends, and 

MM 



9m 



THE LIFE OF 



beg leave to say that I am truly so ; and shall think myself happy in 
any opportunity of being serviceable to you and yours. The two 
young Gentlemen are as hopeful and deserving as any I have seen ; 
and I reflect with pleasure that they will, with God's blessing, be 
lasting comforts to you. The course of their education must of 
necessity carry them from under your eye ; but few, if any, of their 
age, are fitter to take care of themselves, and they seem in no danger 
of forgetting their duty ; for where tender minds have been early 
cultivated, Providence will not fail to watch over them, to give root • 
and strength to the good seed that has been sown in them, and reward 
the glad Parents in seeing it flourish. I hope you left all well at 
Osmaston, and returned home without any indisposition or ill accident, 
and that Mrs. Marow in particular found travelling to agree with 
her, and shook off all the remains of her Fever. More than a month has 
passed since I heard a word out of Bond-street,* or Princes-street ; and 
if care of the young Lady takes up all their time and thoughts, we must 
allow them to be extremely well employed ; but if we have not been 
misinformed, either her Ladyship has computed wrong, or has learned 
the art, which our present Queen is said to be mistress of, to protract 
the time that the birth may be more complete. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



Where Lady Kaye, and Lord and Lady Lewisham lived. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



267 



LETTER XII. 

November 4th, 1727. 

MADAM, 

I was glad to find by your last Letter, that you were 
going up to Town to give yourself and the young Gentlemen the 
pleasure of seeing the Coronation ; for though the sight to your 
Ladyship was not new, yet it must needs be finer than any that has 
gone before by the appearance of the Royal family, the Scottish nobility, 
and the Knights of the Bath. No Queen's train was ever so supported, 
nor did any former Procession make so long and splendid a line : but I 
expected you would have had further business, and much more 
agreeable than barely to look about you ; I mean that you would have 
staid some time among your friends, from whom you had been long 
absent, and who, after a hasty interview, could not see you leave them 
without universal regret. Chancellor Byrche* is now here, who tells me 
how quickly you returned home ; whereas I really thought you had been 
still in London, in that tranquillity, which is chiefly to be found among 
those that love us, and which I most heartily pray you may always enjoy. 
But since the Country was your choice, I hope you are returned to it 

in good health, and without any ill accident. You saw Mr. 

add to the number of the Lords, and were undoubtedly concerned to 



* He was made Chancellor of the diocese of Worcester in 1719, and Prebendaiy of ditto in 1727, 
being nearly related to the Bishop both by his Mother, and by various inter-marriages. He was likewise 
Rector of Fladbury in that county. He died in February, 1741. The matrimonial affair alluded to in 
this letter afterwards took place, namely, with Miss Elizabeth Savage of Elmley Court in that County. 

M M 2 



268 



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think how it would increase his good father's troubles ; but all your ten- 
derness (and I believe nobody to have more) could not hinder you from 
reflecting how great a blessing dutiful children are, nor from feeling an 
unspeakable comfort in that reflection. I was much pleased to hear 
that Lord Lewisham bore a part in the Ceremony. His place was well 
chosen, and he would fill it gracefully ; and we will hope it may not 
be long before the Court will distinguish him to his advantage as well 
as to his honour. 

The Chancellor's matrimonial affair is not yet concluded : the delay 
is not occasioned by any rub in the business, but by Mr. Savage's 
illness, who has had his part in that distemper, which has been so 
universal, and is not yet well enough to go up to Town where his Son 
and Daughter now are. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XIII. 

January 13th, 1727-8. 

MADAM, 

Your last letter makes me sensible that in the throng 
of a great many good qualities, prudence and conduct are always 
uppermost with you. Very few Ladies, who had carried good sense, 
good-breeding, and a good figure up to Town with them, who were 
welcome into the best company, and whose relations were considerable 
among them, could have been contented to make so short a stay there ; 
especially when the air improved, instead of impairing health, and gave 
no small strength to the temptation : but I perceive the real benefit 
of your family takes place of your indulgence to it, and even to yourself : 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



and I cannot in the least doubt, but that Providence will second so just, 
so wise a care. I am glad that young Mr. Knightley* is entered into a 
College which has always had the reputation of good discipline ; and 
will be under the direction of one who is looked upon, not only to be 
well qualified for his business, but who will think himself obliged upou 
many other accounts, as well as in consideration of the credit he will 
gain, to employ his best abilities to that end. His Pupil will now 
soon be, if not already, in his hands, and I pray God bless his 
endeavours with the utmost success! It seems your Ladyship intends to 
continue my Godson under Mr. Huddesford's care, and in truth I am 
not sorry for it : the reasons that have brought you to this resolution 
are not despicable ; and I will add one which you do not think fit to 
mention, (and which upon my word I mean no compliment,) that, 
notwithstanding his few years, a happy education under your eye and 
his own reason, have made him too much of a man, to be sent among boys. 

You do not intimate whether you are yet determined to retire for a 
while, or to stay where you are. I conclude the latter upon Mr. 
Huddesford's account: but in all places and in all conditions of life, 
you will ever be attended with my best wishes. 

Your Ladyship apologizes for making yourself and your own affairs 
the subject of your Letter. Could you have done any thing more kindly 
to one who sincerely interests himself in them ? You see I dwell upon 
them too, and hope you will look upon it as an undeniable argument that, 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Her eldest Son Marow Knightley, then about 17, who was entered at Trinity College Oxford; and 
who appears to have been a youth of extraordinary virtue and talents. 



270 THE LIFE OF 

LETTER XIV. 

March 23d, 1727-8. 

MADAM, 

I did not intend that so much time should have 
elapsed betwixt the date of your last Letter, and my humble thanks 
for it ; but I have had very little to say of myself, or of my friends 
and acquaintance on this side, and have waited in hope of hearing 
that your own affairs were settled in some tolerable measure to your 
satisfaction : whether they are determined, is more than I have been 
able to learn by any inquiry I could make, without appearing too 
inquisitive ; but I earnestly hope you will keep my Godson with 
you, and continue at Offchurch, where Mr. Huddesford will have most 
leisure, and the earliest opportunities of attending to his improvement. 
If some advantages are thought on, which he might meet with in a more 
public place, I am sure there are others, which will abundantly com- 
pensate for them, and which are no where to be had with so much 
security as under your eye. Let us have an honest, virtuous, and 
sensible Gentleman, and we shall never have cause to regret that 
he is not the most accomplished in the world, though I dare say 
nothing will be wanting on that part. 

The delays and disappointments which Chancellor Byrche has met 
with in his Addresses, will, we may expect, endear the Lady more to 
him when he has her ; but as yet he is an unmarried man. Shrove- 
Tuesday was fixed on to be the happy day ; but on Monday, by an 
unfortunate slip, he fell and bruised himself so severely, that he was 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



271 



forced to keep his bed ; and before that complaint was over, the Gout 
seized on both his feet. He is now able to go abroad, and wait upon 
his Mistress in a Chair; but till he has strength enough to travel, they 
think fit to defer the Ceremony of the Church, purposely to avoid 
the noise and impertinence that a Wedding in Town would expose 
them to. 

Ned Byrche* is now here, and tells me, that when he was at Birbury, 
he did himself the pleasure of waiting upon you, and Mrs. Marow. 
I doubt not, but a part of your conversation turned upon what he was 
projecting at Cank and at Leacroft ; for they who have their hands 
in mortar, commonly have it likewise in their heads and upon their 
tongues. The new House is built entirely to please his Uncle Fisher, 
and if it be well-executed according to the Design, will, as far as I 
can judge, be handsome and convenient ; but to tell your Ladyship the 
truth, I should have been better pleased if he had built it for his own 
use, or at least with a prospect of making it serviceable to somebody 
whom he might chuse to be the partner of his life, and the possessor of 
it after him ; but I cannot discover him to look that way. The world 
will have it that he acts a kindly part, and waits to give his younger 
Brother the fairer opportunity of selling it to advantage. It may be 
so ; but then I must needs say, he carries it with the most unaffected, 
easy grace, and in the most likely manner to obtain his end that I ever 
observed. 



* The eldest son of Thomas Byrche, Esquire, of Leacroft, who married the Daughter of Thomas 
Fisher, Esquire, of Walsh-hall, near Meriden, and Sister to Lady Lee, the Bishop's Wife. He was 
Nephew, therefore, both of Sir Clement Fisher and of Lady Lee. Vide Plate of Alliances. 



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I have read the Letters * you recommended to me. The manner in 
which they are written is agreeable enough, and I really believe the 
Author to be a sober, honest, virtuous person ; but some of his 
philosophical notions are a little out of the way, and by no means 
elevated to the dignity of a blessed Spirit. The Elysian fields were 
too much in his head, and he gives the eyes and ears more employ- 
ment than an exalted understanding is willing to allow them. Surveying 
the works of God will undoubtedly be the noblest entertainment to 
an inquisitive mind, and carry its admiration of infinite wisdom and 
power, and its love of infinite goodness, to the utmost height ; but the 
beauty of outward forms, the harmony of instruments and voices, 
and above all the splendor of other planets, their magnificent buildings 
and delightful prospects, are more suited to the low ideas, which our 
present narrow capacities dispose us to consider, than to any thing 
that Christianity sets before us, or indeed, that a reasonable soul would 
condescend to take up with.f If I had the honour of conversing with 
you, I could spend some time in further reflections, especially on the 
fifth Letter ; but at present will add no more than that, 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Though the Author of these Letters appears to have been then unknown to the Bishop, they were 
probably the Letters from the Dead to the Living-, by Mrs. Rowe, which were published about this 
time. Mrs. Rowe was a correspondent of Mrs. Knightley's Sister, Mrs. Arabella Marow. The Editor 
has several of Mrs. Rowe's Letters to this Lady, interspersed with Poetry, and written much in the 
same style with those which are in print. 

t " Eye hath not seen, nor hath ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things 
which God hath prepared for them that love him." I. Cor. ii. 9. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



273 



LETTER XV. 

Hartlebury, May the last, 1728. 

MADAM, 

Two months have passed since I had the honour of 
your last Letter, and six weeks since I fell under that feverish disorder, 
which hardly any body in this country has escaped. My first indis- 
position was but of three days continuance before the bark put a stop 
to it, and I thought myself entirely freed from it, and so my Doctor 
says I should have been, had I obeyed his directions ; but the medicine 
went down with some reluctancy, and I was not willing to take so 
much as he prescribed. A relapse has made me more compliant, which 
happened about a fortnight ago, since when, I have taken two ounces, 
and on Monday shall begin with a third. The first fit weakened me 
so extremely, that I could not write steadily, nor had I any inclination to 
take the pen in my hand : indeed, it was with difficulty that I rose out 
of my seat, or removed frOm one place to another without help ; but 
the last has not treated me so severely, and I have very good hope I 
shall hear no more of it. This distemper is more universal and more 
fatal about us than it was last year ; and, if our informations are true 
from other places, few parts of the kingdom have escaped their share of 
it. God avert his judgment from a sinful people ! but a sickness so 
widely spread, and of so long continuance, is not what I have known 
since the year 1665. I gave you, Madam, no notice of this, because I 
was in hopes of seeing you, or both the young Gentlemen here, whose 
lively conversation would have been no small diversion to me, and I 
knew you would not let them come if you heard I was amiss. I take 

N N 



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it for granted that your son, John, is perfectly recovered ; for one of my 
Birbury cousins is at Elmley,* who hears often from home, and they 
tell her all are well in the neighbourhood : but it would give me much 
greater pleasure to hear it from yourself, whose health and happiness, 
and the welfare of whose family nobody living more sincerely wishes 
and prays for than, 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XVI. 

May 19th, 1729; 

MADAM, 

I am confident you do not think me capable of 
crediting reports so destitute of probability as that you hint at. An 
ill story must be well circumstantiated and have some colour of truth, 
or at least it must be roundly affirmed and borne up with assurance, 
before any indifferent person will vouchsafe to hear it ; and whoever is 
over ready to give ear to it, may bring upon himself the character of an 
ill disposition, a willingness to hear scandal, but can never give it 
strength. How unjust, therefore, would it be in you or me, to heed 
that which has disquieted our friend? — a tale without an author, (for 
every body disowns it,) and without common sense to support it. I 



* Elmley Lovett, within two short miles of Hartlebury ; where lived Henry Townshend, Esquire, 
who married Mary, Daughter of Thomas Byrche, Esquire, of Leacroft, in Staffordshire, and was thus 
related both to the Bishop, and to the Biddulphs of Birbury. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



275 



am really sorry to think how much vexation it has occasioned, and 
could heartily wish it had been despised and utterly slighted at first ; 
for then it would have died immediately, not having the least air of 
likelihood to maintain it, and like other tattles, that go the circuit of a 
visiting day, would have dropped at night, and given way to new 
inventions ; but since fame has carried it abroad, it is well we are able 
to shew the folly and falsehood of it beyond contradiction. Let the 
Lady, who has been aspersed, bear up above it, and leave grief and 
shame to those who raised it. 

A man may reasonably be suspected to design a commendation to 
himself, who says he forgets the good offices he does ; for most people 
remember them too long ; and there are very few who do not overvalue 
them. For myself, I am very far from having gained that pitch of 
generosity ; but in good earnest, I cannot recollect that I ever saw 
Dr. Hughes, or had any opportunity of doing him service : if it has 
been my good fortune to oblige a deserving Gentleman, I am really 
glad, but I protest I remember nothing of it — and am apt to think 
some other Bishop has been his friend, and your humble servant has 
the honour to be so much in your thoughts, that you have placed it to 
my account. I expect ere long to hear that you are making provision 
to put Offchurch upon a firm foundation, and shall be glad when you 
set about it ; because it will not only be an agreeable amusement, but 
will give a good fancy and a judicious taste room to display them- 
selves. I have been four years a stranger to Warwickshire, and God 
knows whether I may ever see it more ; but when you are actually at 
work, I shall be tempted to come and see how you go on, and I flatter 
myself you will not be displeased, to be a little overlooked by, 

Madam, &c. 

N N 2 



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LETTER XVII. 

July 2nd, 1729- 

MADAM, 

I had the honour of your letter dated June 20th, 
and if nothing has fallen out to alter your measures, I take it for granted 
that you and Mrs. Marow will this night be at Offchurch. and I hope 
perfectly easy and well after your journey. Your Ladyships have had 
a very warm air, and dust enough of all conscience ; but the weather 
is just what the farmers would have it, and blessed be God for the 
plenty which it promises ! 

The widow Lady Holt* is now atHartlebury with her two Grandsons, 
who both have the measles, but in a very favourable manner, and are 
likely to do very well ; indeed they are fine boys, beautiful, sensible, 
and well-behaved ; and I wish poor Sir Cloberry f may long be happy 
in them ; for I know no other domestic comfort he is likely to enjoy. 
His estate is much increased, but he seems to have no pleasure in it, 
and his Lady (whom I am told he passionately loves) seldom is at home, 
or satisfied when she is there. I was in hopes of seeing my Warwick- 
shire friends this summer, and I thank God have no reason to apprehend 
that travelling would have discomposed me ; but since Christmas I 



* Ann, Daughter of Sir John Cloberry, Widow of Sir Charles Holt the third Baronet. She died in 
1737, aged 89. 

f Son of Sir Charles Holt. He married Barbara, Daughter and Heir of Sir Thomas Lister, and died 
in 1729. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



277- 



have lost two coach-horses and lamed a third, and do not find it so 
easy to equip myself again as I imagined. This season is a very busy 
one, and my servants have their share in it, which makes me doubt 
very much whether I shall soon have my harness fitted ; and you know, 
Madam, that Ladies and old folks can go no farther than they are 
carried, and with more horses now, than would have served the pur- 
pose, when Queen Elizabeth rode behind her Lord Chamberlain. 

I am really sorry that I shall not kiss your hands, and the misfor- 
tune is doubled by losing the opportunity of seeing Mrs. Marow : 
but our prayers and good wishes can always be active for our friends, 
when we ourselves are confined ; and as I heartily rejoice to hear of 
your good health, so I shall constantly have an earnest concern for its 
continuance, being in great sincerity, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XVIII. 

October 11th, 172Q. 

MADAM, 

I was very glad my Godson was pleased with 
such amusements as this place could afford him, but as he was most 
heartily welcome, his good-nature and good-breeding made him take 
every thing in good part : every body here had pleasure in his com- 
pany, and missed him when he was gone. 

I was glad to hear that Mrs. Marow had so convenient an oppor- 



278 



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tiinrty of returning to her own house, and I dare say, she could not 
be more pleased than the Duchess of Ormond* was, nor did I think, 
with regret, of her leaving Offchurch ; for the young Gentleman will 
supply her place with advantage. He is very easy and in health, which 
will make every thing that he says, and every thing that he does, and 
every look of his, agreeable to you; and, as without a compliment, he 
does not want sense, so he will always have an inclination, and be in a 
disposition to shew it. I most heartily condole with you for the loss 
of Lady Lewisham's fine Son ; t and I pray God, it may have no 
influence upon the health of Lady Kaye and the afflicted parents, who 
be«;an to comfort themselves that he was out of danger from the 
small-pox, and whose griefs will be augmented by the unexpected 
fatal turn : but their even tempers will, I hope, give their prudence 
leave to suggest, that the breach is not irreparable. God may give 
them, and we may without presumption depend upon his goodness, 
that he will give them, many more, and make them lasting blessings 
to the Family. This melancholy subject so possesses me at present, 
that I have no inclination to think of saying any thing more, than 
that I pray daily for every thing that may be happy to you and 
yours. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Mary, Daughter of Henry, First Duke of Beaufort, K. G., and Wife of the accomplished, but 
unfortunate James, Second Duke of Ormond. She had remained in England on the Attainder of the 
Duke, pitied by all, and died November, 1733. The Duke died an exile at Madrid in 1745, aged 94. 
His Estates had been purchased by his Brother, the Earl of A nan, and now belong to a collateral branch 
of that ancient Family, who has obtained the title of Lord Butler in England, and Earl of Ormond in. 
Ireland. 

t Her first Son, Arthur, who died in October, 1729, aged between 2 and 3 years. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



279 



LETTER XIX. 

April 11th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I am extremely pleased to hear that young Mr. 
Knightley, after having seen more of the world than most Gentlemen 
of his age have done, should think of betaking himself to a studious 
retirement ; it shews him to have an excellent disposition, and a degree 
of judgment which few, very few, arrive at so early in life. I hope 
God will give success to the design, and make him so well known to 
the Society he desires to enter into, that they will be as eager to have 
him, as he to be one of them: but this must not hinder the endeavours 
of his friends to second his intentions ; and you will make a very 
considerable step that way, in moving Lord Digby* to recommend 
him to the favour of his Son., the Doctor, who has, (and that very 
deservedly,) a great interest in his College, and is known so sincerely 
to regard the honour and welfare of it, without partiality, that the rest 
of the Fellows will not fail to have an eye upon whomsoever he 
distinguishes. The only objection I can see against him is, that he is 
an eldest Son, and heir to a good Estate ; but as he has nothing at 
present that he can call his own, which is what the Statutes are most 



* This was William, the Fifth Lord Digby. He married Jane, Daughter of Edward Noel, First Earl 
of Gainsborough, and had by her a numerous issue, and among the rest, Wiiothesly, L. L. D., Fellow of 
All Souls College, Father of the present Mr. Digby of Meriden. The whole Family have been pre- 
eminently virtuous. He was the friend of Pope, and usually called the good Lord Digby. He lived to 

a great age, and died 1752, aged 9'2. 



280 



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inquisitive after, I do not apprehend it will be urged to his prejudice. 
I shall be truly glad, if I can any way contribute to what I heartily 
wish may be effected ; but twenty-seven years and more have passed 
since I saw Oxford, in which time I am become so great a stranger at 
the University, that I really do not know three faces that are in it. 
Do not suspect I say this to excuse myself from taking the part of a 
friend in every thing that concerns your family ; for if I can be 
serviceable in this affair, assure yourself I will, and it will often be the 
subject of my thoughts how I may become so. 

I am very sorry that your fever has returned upon you, but have good 
reason to hope that you will have no more of it ; for as almost every 
body in these parts had it the last year, so few, if any, have escaped a 
touch of it this Spring ; but it has gone off easily, and as the weather 
is very seasonable, we promise ourselves, with God's blessing, that it 
will be healthful too. My prayers shall not be wanting, that it may be 
so to you and Mrs. Marow, to whom I beg leave to present my most 
humble service. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XX. 

Hartlebury, July 4th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

The Letters wherewith you honour your friends are 
always entertaining in every part ; and that turn of expression, which 
you are happy in, sets every thing you speak of in the best light : but 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



281 



I read nothing in your last that affects me so agreeably as the account 
which you give of your good health. May it every day improve, and 
long continue ! for, indeed, it is the root of all the innocent enjoyment 
we can have in this world, and therefore deserves our utmost care ; and 
as an even temper, with a judicious inclination to reflect always on 
such occurrences in life as may raise pleasing ideas, and remove as far 
as possible all other thoughts, contributes in no small degree to this 
blessing, I know nobody more likely to obtain it, or who better 
deserves it than yourself, 

I have no doubt, but that young Mr. Knightley will succeed in his 
commendable design at Oxford ; for the Fellows of All Souls know 
very well, that the interest and credit of their Society depend upon 
their choice of persons who are virtuously and studiously inclined ; and 
in that College, more than in any other, they have regard to Gentle- 
men of good families, who seek not so much those other conveniences, 
which the place affords, as the advantage of prosecuting their studies 
in a learned retirement. I shall be heartily glad to hear that the same 
inclination grows stronger in your other Son, and that his business in 
the College is no longer a fatigue, but a pleasure to him ; for when he 
comes to understand an Author, and to relish the wisdom and good- 
sense that is in him, he will be fond of his conversation, and despise 
the low amusements that thoughtless and giddy people are taken up 
with : but if his genius does not lie that way, I wish he might be 
suffered to follow his own inclination in the course of his life ; for few 
people go on successfully and happily, but in the path that nature 
points out to them ; and let him take what way he pleases, I dare say 
his good dispositions will go with him, and by the grace of God, make 
him superior to any temptations he may happen to be exposed to. 

o o 



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Since Marton and Birbury * together would have made provision 
for that honest Clergyman and Gentlewoman you have so tender a 
concern for, I heartily wish they had still been united ; but Birbury 
suffered so many inconveniences by the late Incumbent's residence at 
Marton, that I know Mr. Biddulph was determined, whenever a vacancy 
happened, never to confer his Living but on one who would be 
contented with that alone ; which, though small in value, is an easy 
Cure, and may have other advantages, if a man behave himself well 
in it. 

Lord Plymouth f has brought home his Lady ; and though she is 
likely to be a vast fortune ; yet they who know her well tell me, she 
is more desirable in her person, being sensible, well-bred, and every 
way qualified and disposed to make a Husband happy. 

Sir John Floyer % has been with me some weeks ; and all my 
neighbours are surprized to see a man of eighty-five, who has his 
memory, understanding, and all his senses good, and seems to labour 
under no infirmity. He had a Wife, who, I believe you may have 
heard, was not the most easy, or the most discreet ; but he is of a 
happy temper, not to be moved with what he cannot remedy, which, 
I really believe, has in a great measure helped to preserve his health 
and prolong his days. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* The Livings are both in the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, and not far from each other. 

f 0. Windsor, Third Earl of Plymouth ; who married Eliza, Daughter of Thomas Lewis, Esquire, of 
Soberton, Hants. He died November, 1732 ; she in 1733 

t Physician to Queen Anne, and Author of the Treatise on Cold Baths. He died January, 1734, at 
nearly 90 years of age. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



283 



LETTER XXI. 

September 19tb, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I have the honour of your Letter, which was 
extremely welcome to me, not only as it gave me the pleasure of 
knowing that you were well, but as it speaks of the young Gentlemen 
in such terms, as make me sensible they are what your own heart can 
wish. When you look round into all the families you know, it cannot 
but enhance this mighty blessing, which is almost peculiar to yourself. 
How much reason have you to thank God, and to rejoice that the 
follies and vanities of this nation, which seem to make greater progress 
than ordinary, have not been able to fasten upon them ; whilst you 
reflect that few, if any, of their age, have been more exposed to them ! 
I doubt not, but that with the continuance of God's good providence 
over them, their good dispositions and good understandings will carry 
them through the World with the same innocency they have hitherto 
retained, and that they will be constant and lasting comforts to you. 
Mr. Marow's * inclination to a retired life is exceedingly commendable, 
and shews a strength of judgment far above his years. I cannot but 
promise myself, that before two months come to an end, he will be 
fixed to his mind ; for the Society, for which he offers himself, consists 
of studious, well-bred Gentlemen, who are always disposed to elect 
others like themselves ; and Dr. Holte says, that if the Warden of the 



* Marow Knightley, her eldest Son. 

o o 2 



284 



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College can be made his Friend, he will certainly succeed : he there- 
fore, takes the liberty to advise, that you address Mr. Verney * for his 
recommendatory Letter to the Warden of All Souls, on whom he has 
great influence, and who cannot easily deny him any thing. I know 
you have formerly been well acquainted with that family ; I hope 
you are so still, and will meet with no difficulty in obtaining so 
reasonable a request. 

I was surprized to hear that your Relation had disposed of herself 
more hastily, and in a more improper manner, than her parents and 
friends could approve of ; but this seems to be a matter, that with 
prudence and good management may be brought to a good issue ; for 
the young Gentleman, I am told, is not to be disliked in any respect ; 
and, as his Father is rich, he has it in his power to make all things 
easy, and must not love his Son so well as he pretends, if he trifles in 

doing it. But what shall we say to Mr. 's marriage ? How 

unexpectedly has he damped the hopes and expectations of his family, 
who pleased themselves in thinking he might, by an advantageous 
match, heal the breach that is made in the Estate ! It is really such a 
disappointment as one could not have expected, and I fear will sit 
hard upon his Mother's spirits ; but I hope she will comfort herself 
in reflecting, that this imprudent step may make him apply more 
seriously, and in good earnest, to his studies ; in which, if he arrives at 
a good degree of proficiency, he will soon make a fortune to himself, 
more considerable than a Wife could have brought him. 



* Probably John Verney, Esquire, who was Master of the Rolls in 17-38, and died in 1741, leaving a 
Son, the present John P. Verney, on whom the Title of Lord Willoughby de Broke descended in 1752, 
on the death of his Uncle, Richard Lord Willoughby de Broke. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



285 



I hope my Godson, when he goes either into the army, or to the 
court, will keep a guard upon himself against this weakness, and not 
suffer his eyes, or his fancy, to betray his judgment ; and that both 
your Sons may always be as good and discreet as they are at present, 
shall be the daily prayer of, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXII. 

October 19th, 1730. 

MADAM, 

I had the honour of your Letter by the last Post, 
and am so much delighted with what you tell me, that I cannot 
forbear to express my satisfaction immediately . Nothing could have 
fallen out more luckily than your meeting with Dr. Niblet.* Mr. 
Verney, indeed, may use his interest very heartily, and it will have 
no small influence ; but when your winning address is added to it, it 
cannot but prevail : and I shall be impatient till the next month, 
when, with God's blessing, I verily believe Mr. Knightley's success 
may be depended upon. I know he chuses to enter into that Society 
more for the reputable retirement, than for any other advantage it 
can afford, which is so becoming his sobriety and good-sense, that I 
will not give way to any uneasy supposition of its being possible for 
him to be disappointed. 

As for your second thought, which your Ladyship tells me you 



* Warden of All Souls College, Oxford. 



286 



THE LIFE OF 



entertain as a reserve, you may suffer it to work as much as you please ; 
for the present design will be no obstruction, and it is not unlikely, 
that the same thought may be as much in your Son's head as your 
own : for I dare say he does not make choice of a College for life ; nor 
is ignorant, that though a Gentleman cannot, without some trouble, 
get into it, it is always in his power to go out again whenever he sees 
good : besides, when a man of understanding is posted to his mind, 
he considers matrimony at leisure, surveys it on all sides, and is not so 
likely to be deceived, or surprized, as others are. 

You give Lady Mordaunt * a very advantageous character, and are 
so well able to judge, that I dare say she deserves it, as I am sure Sir 
Charles deserves herself in all respects ; especially, if what I am told 
be considered, that he might have had a Wife with ^10,000 down, and 
in all probability, five times as much in reversion. How highly 
commendable is it to see a young Gentleman prefer the person and 
good qualities of a Lady before all the considerations of fortune, in an 
age when almost every body looks after money, and slights the most 
valuable endowments for it I 

I have been so deep in the Mortar myself, that I heartily congratu- 
late Mrs. Marow on being so nearly out of it; but she will be happier 
than I ever was, if she has not vexation enough to come in the 
finishing part of the house ; for I have always found Joiners as 
untractable as Masons. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Sophia, Daughter of Sir John Wodehouse, Baronet, of Kimberley, in Norfolk. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



287 



LETTER XXIII. 

November 14th, J 730. 

MADAM, 

Your Letter found me under a deep concern for the 
loss of my dear Kinsman, Mr. Byrche,* to whom a short fever proved 
fatal on Sunday last. I had set my heart upon him, and he deserved 
my best affection. I hoped God would have lengthened his days far 
beyond the end of mine ; that when infirmities had grown upon me, 
he might have taken care of my affairs and covered my weaknesses ; 
for I dread the thoughts of being without a man of sense about me 
when my own judgment comes to fail, as, if life continues, it must of 
course do ; but God has been pleased to take him from me, and I 
submit to His blessed will in all things. This will for some time 
unavoidably dwell on my mind ; but does not make me so insensible 
towards my other friends, as not to take part in their good or ill 
fortune. I am highly delighted with Mr. Knightley's success at All 
Souls, and think it the happiest providence that could have befallen 
your family. It sets him out of the way of many temptations, and I 
pray God you may long have joy in it : but it is an old observation, 
that our days are chequered ; one is bright and the next is gloomy ; 
and you and I, Madam, find it so by experience. The thought of 
your Son's merit, and the justice done to it, has warmed your heart ; 



* Mr. Edward Byrche, Brother of Dr. Byrche, Chancellor of the Diocese, and nearly related to, and 
connected with, the Bishop. 



288 



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but the loss of your good Sister * will make its way thither, and have a 
contrary effect. I was really shocked with it at first ; but serious 
reflection will bring us to acknowledge, that we ought not to lament 
the death of one who led an exemplary life, shewed the utmost 
patience and Christian resignation in the end of it, and is gone to 
receive an unspeakable reward. Let this thought mitigate your own 
and Mrs. Marow's grief ; and, if you please, you may strengthen it with 
this assurance, that, treading the steps of our virtuous friends, we 
shall certainly overtake them in endless happiness. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XXIV. 

January 2nd, 1730-1. 

MADAM, 

I was exceedingly pleased with Mr. Knightley's 
success at All Souls ; but I am much more delighted with the 
character you give him of good and wise. Indeed, I believe there are 
few, if any, of his age, who so well deserve it : but how many Ladies 
are there in the World, who reflect with more complacency upon the 
outward accomplishments than the virtues of their children ? nor are 
we to wonder at it, when we consider, that their shapes and good 
features, their easy carriage and address, their wit and sprightly mien, 
captivate the eyes and ears, and too often the hearts of indulgent 
parents ; but your sense and judgment direct where to place intrinsic 



* Mrs. Arabella Marow, her Sister, died this year, unmarried. It has been mentioned before, that 
she was the correspondent of Mrs. Rowe. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



C 2S9 



value, and what preference to give it in your esteem. Your Sons 
want none of those qualities that introduce Gentlemen into the best 
company, and recommend them in conversation : but you know that 
they lead, likewise, into many temptations, against which, good 
principles only are proof. These have strength to withstand the 
insinuations of appetite and passion, are able to guard against foolish 
custom and ill example, may safely be depended upon, and will never 
deceive us. How great, therefore, is the blessing that God has given 
you in the good disposition of your Sons ! How much comfort and 
happiness may you derive from it, and how honorable and advanta- 
geous may it prove to your Family ! Let these considerations set it 
close and warm at your heart, and then, I promise myself, it will be 
of sufficient weight to balance all other inconveniences. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXV. 

March 22nd, 1730-1. 

MADAM, 

Your Letter bears date on the 18th, and came to 
my hands on the 20th Instant, some days sooner than I ever received 
one before ; and, to shew you how apt I am to flatter myself, I would 
have the quickening of its pace to be an indication of your friendship 
to me, which is a very active principle, and impatient of delays. I am 
truly sorry, Madam, that you have had so much reason to spare your 
eyes ; they deserve your utmost care, and till they have recovered 
their usual strength, I hope you will suffer no consideration to disturb 



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them : for, upon my word, I think none to be worthy the honour of 
your correspondence, who do not value your ease and health above 
any gratification to themselves. To hear that you are well in every 
circumstance of life, will always give them a sincere pleasure f but 
when it is in any respect otherwise with you, the latest intelligence 
will come too soon. Towards the end of the last summer the small- 
pox came into this neighbourhood, which, I believe, I mentioned in 
one of my Letters. It was very fatal in some families, and Lady 
Holt fetched her Grand-children from this school for fear of infection : 
after Christmas, she sent them hither again, when we thought the 
disease had taken leave of us ; but it is broke out afresh in two or 
three houses, and on Saturday her coach returned for the young 
Gentlemen. I cannot blame her Ladyship's tenderness ; but the 
children were desirous of staying here, and had no apprehension of the 
distemper ; and, perhaps, it were better for them to have taken their 
chance now, than when they are grown up. 

I am heartily glad that Mrs. intends to spend some time at 

Berkswell-Hall with you and Mrs. Marow ; for I dare say you will 
seldom be asunder. She will have all the comfort you can give her, 
and I do not apprehend any thing has yet fallen out, but what, 
with God's blessing, may become tolerably easy to her. This is the 
year in which, of course, I am to visit my Diocese, and, with God's 
leave, I purpose to do it. I have not yet fixed the day on which I 
hope to meet my Brethren at Warwick : but I think to be there in 
May, about the middle, or towards the end of it ; and as it is the last 
time I shall come so near Birbury, I must not lose the opportunity 
of seeing my Relations there. Three or four days are as many as I 
think of spending in that place ; on one of which, I shall endeavour 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



291 



to pay my best respects at Offchurch ; and I must own it will add to 
the pleasure I propose to myself, if I have the good fortune to find 
Mrs. Wilmot there. 

Mrs. Byrche thinks that within a month she shall be at the end of 
her reckoning. A son will certainly be welcome ; but she and the 
Chancellor both speak with much indifference on that subject. I 
expect Sir Robert Fisher* and his Lady to come and spend some time 
at Hartlebury ; and indeed, when my Visitation is over, if any of my 
good friends are inclined to see me, it must be there ; for, after fourscore, 
it is time for a man to keep at home, unless he could travel as a snail 
does, with his own house upon his back, for no other ought to be 
troubled with him. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXVI. f 

MADAM, 

Yours of the 12th was extremely welcome to me, for 
indeed, I had a strong apprehension that my Letter miscarried, and it 
would have given me no small trouble to have found myself interrupted 
in a correspondence I truly valued : but since that fear is over, I take 



* He succeeded his Brother, Sir Clement, in 1729, and dying in 1739 without issue, the Title became 
extinct. The Estate went to his elder brother, Sir Clement's Daughter, Mary, married to Lord Guernsey, 
Son of the Earl of Aylesford. 

f This Letter is without date, but there is reason to think it was in the Spring of 1731 or 1732. 

p p 2 



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up my pen with pleasure, and never think it better employed, than 
when it can give you a moment's diversion. I rejoice to hear that 
your Ladyship, Mrs. Marow, and the young Gentlemen, are now in 
health, though you have not been altogether free from indisposition, 
which could not well be expected in any family, whilst the air was so 
universally infected ; but the late frost has in a great measure cleared it, 
and in this Neighbourhood, we already perceive the good effects, which, 
I hope, are felt in all parts of the kingdom, more particularly at 
Offchurch. The Spring comes on in a most delightful manner; and, old 
as I am, I cannot forbear, after the Winter's confinement, to peep out as 
the insects do, and see how the little improvements are carried on about 
me. My horses and carts have for some time never been at rest, from 
conveying earth to a low piece of ground, which, by degrees, we have 
gained from the moat ; a tedious work, that makes no shew at present 
but of rubbish and disorder : yet I flatter myself, that when it comes to 
be laid out into something of a regular form, the idea of which is yet only 
in my head, my pains will not appear to be ill bestowed ; for I shall 
then have above an acre of ground, in a garden of a whimsical, and 
unusual, but not disagreeable figure, which, I believe, never fell under 
your notice ; — I am sure it never deserved it. I expect to be censured for 
going on in little trifling designs of this nature at my time of day. 
Some will ask, " What prospect can he have of seeing any thing 
finished, or brought to maturity ?" Others, perhaps, will be so severe 
as to say, I should now spend my reflections only upon the earth that is 
soon to cover me ; that there all our worldly thoughts perish, and a 
man so near the grave as myself, should learn to shake them off, and let 
others succeed of a more exalted nature : but let me tell them, that 
works of that sort, in which I amuse myself, promote the most serious 
thoughts ; that vanity and folly are never more out of the head, than 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



293 



when it is taken up in schemes that are innocent ; not to say, that 
every body living has, and must have, some diversion. How many 
people give it to themselves in criminal ways ? and how few can avoid 
doing it sometimes very foolishly ? but human life can neither subsist 
comfortably, nor tolerably, without it. The great care must be to 
make it inoffensive, and then the wise in all ages and countries have 
never thought themselves above it, or failed to approve it. You will 
say, very truly, "but why this stuff to me?" In good earnest, for no other 
reason but to keep your eyes so much longer upon the paper, and 
your thoughts from subjects, * which I apprehend are too apt to 
obtrude themselves. Let me but gain this point, and I have my end, 
and for that space of time, short as it is, shall have made myself 
serviceable ; which no one more desires to do than, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXVII. 

June 2nd, 1731. 

MADAM, 

The most obliging reception I met with at Offchurch, 
and the kind visit I afterwards received at Birbury, demand my best 
acknowledgments to Mr. Knightley, your Ladyship, and in an especial 
manner to the two young Gentlemen, who could be contented to 



* Mrs. Knightley was under a family affliction at this time. 



204 



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submit to the fatigue of coming from Oxford on purpose to give me 
the pleasure of seeing them : a favour I could not have hoped for, and 
the sense of it sits warm upon my mind. Such children, Madam, are 
blessings you can never overvalue ; for it is a more than ordinary 
providence of God, that has made them, to the utmost extent of your 
wishes, sober, sensible, and every way agreeable ; and, as far as can be 
observed, free from ill inclination of any sort. How many great 
families do we know, where such a Son as either of yours, would be 
gladly purchased at the price of half the inheritance ! and how much 
richer would the Parents think themselves in the possession of him ! 
Such are born not only to support the honour and credit of their 
Houses, but to increase and add lustre to them, by making themselves 
memorable in History, and exemplary to after ages. May they go 
on successfully to improve themselves in all the best qualities of 
Christians and Gentlemen ! and may you long have that comfort in 
seeing them, which all the other advantages of this life can never 
equal ! 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXVIII. 

September 20th, 1731. 

MADAM, 

By this time I conclude that you and your Son are 
returned from Astrop,* and I hope there is no good quality, which 



* In Northamptonshire, generally called Astrop Wells, and formerly much frequented. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 205 

those waters have ever been celebrated for, that you did not experi- 
mentally meet with. Health and ease to himself and his friends, is all 
the young Gentleman can want to make him happy ; for his excellent 
disposition, which, I am persuaded, is not capable of taking a wrong 
turn, will not fail to carry him through the world to the extent of his 
wishes, and make him always valuable. I know not whether I 
acquainted your Ladyship, (for I confess my memory, which at best 
was but indifferent, grows every day less and less,) that Mr. Savage, 
brother to Mrs. Byrche, died of the small-pox about the time that I 
was at Warwick. He was a hopeful young man, and every body 
regrets his loss ; but his three Sisters are thereby likely to possess con- 
siderable fortunes : for their father has Elmly Castle, a noble house 
well furnished, and finely seated, with an estate called £2,000 per 
annum, and money in his pocket ; which, if he does not marry again, 
must, for aught I know, come among them. 

About a fortnight or three weeks hence, the Chancellor designs to 
be at Leacroft, and spend two or three months among his neighbours 
there ; before he returns home, he intends to visit Packington and 
Birbury, from whence it must be somewhat more than ordinary, that 
will hinder him from waiting on your Ladyship. 

We have had ten or twelve very fine days together, and I do not 
neglect to make the best of them, either by bowling* at home, or 
taking the air abroad, which, I thank God, keeps me in good health — 



* The Bishop was at this time turned of 80. 



296 



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a blessing, which, I pray God, you and yours may long enjoy, and 
am, 

Madam, &c. 

I had actually folded up this Letter, in order to seal it, when I 
received your Ladyship's of the 16th Instant. The kind concern you 
are pleased to own for my health, is not only extremely obliging, but 
I believe of advantage to me; for I am one of those, who have 
always thought that the blessing of God often goes along with the 
good wishes of our friends ; and if I am worthy to be heard in my 
prayers, your family feels it. 

LETTER XXIX. 

Christmas-day,* 1731. 

MADAM, 

This is a season in which all people salute their 
Friends with their best wishes, and I cannot forbear to address mine 
to your Ladyship, who, (I speak it with the utmost sincerity,) have a 
share in them equal to any person living. I pray God to preserve 
your health, and to order in the course of his providence, that the 
coming years may be happy, very happy, to yourself and your family 



* It does not appear whether the Bishop was acquainted at this time, with the loss of her eldest Son 
in the preceding month, the occasion of the next Letter ; and yet there is a melancholy strain, mixed with 
a soothing religious consolation, in this. He might think it too early to mention so tender a subject. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 2Q7 

in all respects ; and have good hope they will be so, because God hath 
given you temper of mind fully qualified to make the best use of his 
blessings ; and his graces are seldom observed to be without their 
proper exercise. 

I know, Madam, you will expect I should give you some account 
of myself, and therefore I take the liberty to tell you, that as much of 
the Winter as is yet spent, has passed very gently over my head. I 
go down the hill leisurely, and old age creeps on, by almost insensible 
degrees ; for hitherto, blessed be God ! I have had little pain, or sick- 
ness, or infirmity, to complain of. I am easy, and I thank God, look 
to the end of my journey without anxiety. I stir abroad very little, 
and I believe, for the future, shall never go more than three or four 
miles from home: but am as much delighted as ever to see my friends, 
and hear from them ; and I must do them the justice to say that they 
do not forget me. 

Be pleased to present my most humble service to Mr. Knightley 
and Mrs Marow, who, with yourself, have always part in the 
prayers of, 

Madam, &c. 



Q Q 



298 



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LETTER XXX. 

February 2nd, 1731-2. 

MADAM, 

I should not have been altogether silent to your 
Ladyship upon a subject* that has sat heavy upon my own thoughts, 



* The occasion of this Letter, was the death of her eldest Son, Marow Knightley, at All Souls 
College, in the November preceding. He was buried in the Chapel of that College, where is the following-' 
inscription : 

MAROW KNIGHTLEY, ALIAS WIGHTWICK, A. B. 
HUJUS COLLEGII SHOLARIS, TANTUM NON SOCIUS. 
JUVENIS, QUEM iEQUABILIS ANIMI INDOLES, 
INNATA MORUM SUAVITAS, 
LITERARUM HUMANIORUM SCIENTIA, 
ERG A COLLEGIUM PIETAS ET STUDIUM, 
ERGA SODALES AMOR, 
ERGA OMNES BENEVOLENT I A, 
IIISCE SEDIBUS NUPER DELICIAS 
NUNC DESIDERIUM FECERE. 
QUI, FINITO PROPEMODUM PROBATIONIS ANNO, 
(PROBATIONIS LAUDABILIS PLANE ET INVIDENDiE) 
IMMORTALITATEM, QUAM ASSIDUE 
INTRA SACROS HOSCE MUROS PRECABATUR, 
ADEPTUS EST ; 
CHICHELEANORUM, QUOS CORDI HABUIT, 
NON DESERENS, 
NISI UT ANGELORUM CHORIS 
ADSCISCERETUR. 
OBIIT 6TO DIE NOV., ANNO S. 1731, MT. 20. 
IN MEMORIAM FILII DE SE OPTIME MERITI 
JOHANNES KNIGHTLEY, ALIAS WIGHTWICK, DE OFFCHURCH, 
IN AGRO WARWICENSI ARMIGER, 
PATER MjESTISSIMUS POSUIT. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



299 



and much more upon yours, were I not sure that your better sense 
suggests all, and more than I am able to say. You know very well, 
that the true character of a man does not lie in the length of his days, 
but in the measure of his good qualities ; and when that measure is 
complete, the Almighty, whose eye is always upon him, sees him fitly 
prepared for a more exalted state, and graciously admits him into it. 
Others advance more slowly to perfection, and are suffered to have 
their course ; as some sorts of fruit are long in ripening, others make 
haste to maturity, and both are gathered accordingly. It has of old 
been so frequently observed, as to make it proverbial, that the lustre 
of those accomplishments, which breaks out to our amazement, when 
we apprehend it to be only in the dawn, shews itself in this world but 
a little while ; we gaze, and it disappears : such people finish their 
part quickly, and with full applause, the scene closes upon them. 
How infinitely valuable are they above those, who, in a long series of 
life, never distinguish themselves ! These last are no sooner out of 
sight, than they are forgotten ; but the memory of the other is 
immortal. We think doubtfully of some that are gone, and uncom- 
fortably of others ; but of the good and virtuous, we can have none 
but pleasing reflections ; for, will it be allowed a reasonable cause of 
grief, that one whom I love, is promoted out of my reach to the 
height of his most laudable ambition ? Would it be friendly in me to 
keep him back, and postpone his happiness, to my own inclinations ? 
I can easily answer, no, by no means ; for I know he is happy, and I 
rejoice in it- — but he is taken from me ; his conversation was extremely 
endearing, and I lament my own loss. This will not be denied me hra 
moderate manner ; some allowance is due to human frailty ; but if I 
carry my grief to excess, I must bear to be told, that my natural 
affection is too strong for my Reason, much more for my Faith. 

qq2 



300 



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Reason, by a thousand undeniable arguments, is ready to prove, that 
what cannot be remedied, should be submitted to with the utmost 
equanimity : and Faith, were it lively and active, would open the 
regions of eternal bliss, and discover those who have been bright 
examples in this world, in so glorious a state there, as would animate 
my hope, abate my regret for their absence, and invigorate my 
endeavours to follow them. Who can conceive the transport of joy 
that will attend such a meeting ? and how insignificant will the former 
short separation then appear ! Indeed, Madam, there was a time 
when I possessed one, * who was the desire of my eyes and the delight 
of my heart. I relished every thing with her, and nothing without 
her. We both knew the common fate of mankind, that a parting 
was unavoidable : it was very often the subject of our discourse, and 
I will not say what convulsions attended it; but I thank God, I had 
the hope of a Christian, and that supported me : and let you and 
myself keep up our spirits in that confidence, that the variable and 
transitory state in which we now live, will soon pass over, when we and 
our friends shall find ourselves together again, inseparable, and unal- 
terably happy for evermore, f 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* An affecting' a?lu?ion to the loss of his Wife, in 1722. 

f If this Letter should be thought equal in eloquence to any of the finest writers of Antiquity, it must be 
acknowledged to be superior to them all, in the consolation which it affords of a future state of happiness. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



301 



LETTER XXXI. * 

May 1st, 1732. 

MADAM, 

Your last Letter makes me sensible, that prudence 
and good understanding are superior to the greatest trials, and that 
an even temper, which calmly bears, and does not impatiently struggle 



* This Letter was in reply to one received, in answer to the former of February 2nd, 1731. It is to 
be regretted, that this, and other Letters of this pious and accomplished Woman are not preserved. 

The Editor has not been so fortunate as to meet with any of her Letters, except one to the celebrated 
Mrs. Rowe, which, with the Answer, will shew the piety, as well as elegant minds, of both those 
Ladies, viz : 

" March 26th, 1732. 

" MADAM, 

" Next to Heaven, I fly for relief in my distress to you, from whose pen. 
distils a balm more healing than this world, or time can give. 

" You, Madam, have felt a tender grief, and have made the best use of it. Oh, teach me also to direct 
my sorrows, that they may lead me to true wisdom ! — While the loss of a dear and valuable Sister sat 
heavy on me, I was attacked in a still more tender part, and lost a Son, who was deservedly the delight 
of my eyes and ears, and all that a Parent's wish could form. If your charity, Madam, will pour in oil 
into such a wound, it will meet with a higher reward than the gratitude of, 

"Madam," kc. 

" MARY KNIGHTLEY." 

" P. S. I shall rejoice to hear that hea'.th renders your stay on this side the Stars more supportable to 

you." 

To Mrs. Rowe, 

at Frorue, hi Somersetshire. 

" MADAM, 



302 



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under adversity, overcomes it ; slowly, indeed, and by leisurely 
degrees, but this makes the conquest more effectual. The reason is 
obvious, for then a Man's conduct is such as the Almighty Governor 
of the World expects it to be, who would have the sufferer know, that 
he is under His hand, and ought humbly, nay thankfully to submit, 
but does not forbid him the use of all proper endeavours to lighten 
the weight ; so far from such severity, that he sends the blessed Spirit 
to influence and assist him, whereby he is enabled to consider of his 
present state with true judgment, to make useful reflections upon it, 



April 8tb, 1732. 

MADAM, 

" Nothing but your great modesty, could induce you to imagine, I am able to 
suggest better arguments, than what your own good sense and piety can furnish you with, to allay your 
grief for the darling of your affections. Your beloved Sister, whose Memory will be dear to me to the 
last moment of Life, in some of her Letters, mentioned the Youth as a just object of love and admiration. 

Relentless death has closed those sparkling eyes, 
Like some gay flower, that only blooms and dies ; 
Unfolds its fragrant glory to the day, 
And while we praise its beauty, fades away. 

" What shall 1 say, Madam ? To oppose your sorrow in its first violence, would be fruitless : for my own 
part, nothing makes me so easy in the good or ill events of Life, as the thought that the scene of human 
things is fleeting and of a momentary duration, and all beyond is vast Eternity. If that interest is secure, 
immortal joy and tranquillity will soon put an end to these unhappy changes ; that boundless duration, 
when it appears to the Soul in its just importance, turns all earthly delights, or cares, into mere shadows. 

" I will not intrude a long Letter on you at so unseasonable a juncture ; but be assured, no person that 
knows your merit, has a more sincere concern for you than, 

" Madam, 
" Your devoted, humble Servant, 
• " ELIZA ROWE." 



BISHOP HOUGH 



303 



and proceed to resolutions, which he may promise himself he shall soon 
have power to accomplish. This is that strength of mind, which 
Philosophy vainly boasts she has at her disposal, but never could 
bestow it upon any of her votaries ; for human nature has it not. The 
great Author of Nature reserves it in his own hand, a gift only to 
those who seek it worthily, and none but the sincere Christian can 
obtain it. I am confident, Madam, you have felt this by experience, 
and found, that when a course * of reasoning has made but little 



* The Editor cannot resist the opportunity of inserting an Answer from a distinguished character in 
the Law to a particular Friend, who wrote to condole with him on the death of his Wife ; as, both from 
the elegance of the diction, and the truly Christian principles which it contains, it seems worthy to be 
placed nearthis good Bishop's, and shews, that the greatest men in the Law, as well as the Church, have 
the same sentiments on so interesting a subject. Very particular reasons, of a private nature, alone prevent 
the Editor from naming the writer of this Letter, which does equal credit to his head and to his heart. 

" DEAR SIR, 

" I thank you much for your very kind Letter from . The friendship of 

such as you, which has always been sincere and affectionate, is one of my greatest supports. You, who 
knew my happiness, will not wonder that I feel the loss with a sensibility equal to the weight of it. She 
had a manner so amiable and artless, a sweetness of temper so unalterable, a desire of improvement with 
a constant progress in it, affections so tender and generous, and an innate goodness of heart and fixed 
sense of Religion, with so much cheerfulness, that I must ever lament her death as the greatest affliction 
that could befal me. The only solid comfort is to be found in a principle of absolute resignation, to the 
will of that wise and good Being, who orders for the best when we least imagine it. Sometimes, even 
here, the event of a day shews it, when the reasoning of a whole life could not discern it ; and oftener, the 
discoveiy is reserved for our instruction in another and better state of existence. With these sentiments 
I shall endeavour to compose my mind. I am always, 

" Dear Sir, 
" With the utmost truth and respect, 

"Your faithful Friend," 



304 THE LIFE OF 

progress towards it, an humble prayer has brought it down from above. 
Let this therefore be your chief resort, your constant refuge, and be 
assured it will never fail you. 

Mr. Palmer of Ladbrook is now at Hartlebury, and tells me it is 
not long since he saw you in very good health, which is a blessing I 
pray God you may long enjoy, not only for your own sake, but for 
the sake of one * who, well disposed as he is, will daily improve by 
your example and instruction ; on whom duty and a tender regard for 
all you do and say, will make a deeper impression than the'most solemn 
lectures and discourses from an indifferent person. As I take myself 
to have more than a common interest in him, I cannot but express 
an equal concern, that he may in all respects make such a figure, as you 
may look upon with daily comfort and pleasure. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXIL 

September 3d, 1733. 

MADAM, 

So many weeks have passed since the 20th of June, 
that if I had not had more than common experience of your easiness 



* Her remaining Son, John Knigbtley Esquire, who married Catherine, Daughter of the Reverend 
Doctor Musgrave, about the year 1743 or 1744. He died in 1764, and left his estate at Offchurch, 
near Warwick, to John Wightwick Knightley, Esquire. He gave his estate at Berkswell, after his Lady's 
death, to his maternal Relation, Sir John Eardley Wilrnot, then one of the Judges of the Court of King's 
Bench, and his heirs. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



305 



in forgiving the neglects of your servants, I should be perfectly ashamed 
to confess the honor I had to receive a Letter from your Ladyship of 
that date. I am sure, I ought to have been early in my best ackow- 
ledgments for a favour which is always doubly grateful to me. None 
that know Offchurch, can forbear to interest themselves in the welfare 
of it. We hear of your health and happy estate, with a concern that lies 
near our hearts ; we have joy in the relation, by whomsoever it is 
given ; and when it comes from your own hand, there is something in 
the propriety of thought, and easy manner of expression, that affords 
a distinct pleasure. I meet with nobody out of Warwickshire, (which 
I say not to make you a compliment, or to tell you how proud I am 
of my Godson,) who does not agree in giving him the character of 
as perfect a Gentleman as any in your county. My constant prayer 
for him is, that whatever fortune, or beauty, or quality, or all of 
them together tempt him to think of an alliance for life, he may 
consider thoroughly, and maturely of it ; and never enter into that 
state, unless the Lady, with all her outward advantages, have those of 
the mind, likewise, to engage his inward esteem — without which, 
mutual friendship and tenderness and constant tranquillity will be in 
danger of interruption. 

My dear cousin Biddulph * has a painful disorder, and it troubles 
me to think of it ; for, at her age, I am afraid she will not soon get rid 



* Mrs. Jane Biddulph, Wife of Simon Biddulph of Birbury, who was the younger Brother of Sir 
Michael, a Grandfather of the present Dowager Lady Biddulph, who married her first Cousin, the late 
Sir Theophilus, Father of the present. The late Sir Theophilus died in 1798, aged 78. His widow, 
Jane, is now living at Southampton, and has obligingly furnished the Editor with much information 
and assistance. She has a Picture and a Prayer-book of the Bishop's, which was given her in conse- 
quence of being one of his God-daughters, 

R R 



306 THE LIFE OF 

of it. The pump at Bath is most likely to relieve her ; but she is 
positively set against it, apprehending herself unable to bear the 
journey ; and, as nobody living can answer for the event, her friends 
dare press it no farther. 

I must not omit, Madam, to tell you that your friend, Lady Foley, 
is going to build a very neat Chapel at Witley,* in which, she designs 
to erect a most noble Monument for her Lord, herself, and their 
children ; all the figures in marble will be as large as life, with fine 
decorations carried up almost to the top of the Chapel. My Lord 
brought the design hither to shew me, and upon my word it will be 
magnificent. His Lordship has built spacious stables, in which are 
stands for fifty-two horses ; there are, likewise, six coach-houses. He 
has made a spacious avenue to his house, resembling that at Blenheim ; 
his gardens are enlarging to a considerable extent, and in a well-fancied 
manner — Some alterations are intended in the dwelling-house ; but I 
doubt it will never shew itself of a piece with the rest. If it please 
God that I live in health to another year, I will not despair of your 
giving me the pleasure of shewing you this seat once more, and I dare 
say, you will think it abundantly finer than when you saw it last. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* In Worcestershire. Lady Foley did not live to carry her pious designs into execution ; but it was 
afterwards completed by the Second Lord Foley. It is one of the finest Monuments, as well as finest 
Chapels, in England. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



LETTER XXXIII. 

October 1st, 1733. 

MADAM, 

I had the honor of your Letter dated September 3rd, 
and about the same time, I presume, you received one from me. I 
was sensible that a longer interval than ordinary had passed since you 
heard from me, and really thought myself obliged to apologize for it ; 
but when I considered how to frame my excuse, I was much at a loss, 
not being able to pretend either multiplicity of business, or interrup- 
tion by company, indisposition, or want of leisure. The plain truth is, 
I knew not what to say ; a bare " how d'ye do ?" drawn out into a 
multiplicity of words, is, at the best, but a good-natured impertinence; 
and when I am disposed to shew mine, I will send it any whither, rather 
than to Offchurch. In short, Madam, I am at all times, and upon ail 
occasions your faithful Servant ; and, if you will give me leave to use 
so familiar a word, your unfeigned Friend — every jot as much so, when 
I do not tell you of it, as when I do ; and this honest declaration will, 
I hope, extenuate, if not entirely atone for, the seeming neglect. I 
have not yet been at Whitley since Lord and Lady Foley came into 
the country, the river having constantly swelled so high, as to forbid 
my passage ; but I can tell you, that her Ladyship's thoughts are 
much taken up in rebuilding the Church there. When my Lord was 
so kind as to make me a visit, he brought the design hither, and in - 
truth, it will be a very neat and handsome Fabric, equal, if not 
superior, to Lord Chetwynd's at Ingestrie ;* and the Monument, which 



* In Staffordshire ; now belonging to Earl Talbot. 

rr2 



80S 



THE LIFE OF 



the Lapidaries are actually at work upon, for her Lord, herself, and 
their children, will be truly noble, and may be compared with any ; 
the finest marbles in Westminster Abbey. 

The last Post brought me yours of the 27th Instant, with Mr. 
Greenway's inclosed, and as I believe the character he gives of 
Mr. Preston to be no more than his due, I am confident, he may 
depend upon having right done to his merit at the next election at his 
College;* but for my own ease, as well as theirs, I have made a 
solemn promise to the President and Fellows, never to solicit them in 
Elections, and am, upon all accounts, obliged to keep my word, f 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXIV. 

October 20th, 1734. 

MADAM, 

Lady Clarke X and her daughter are now gone home ; 
and in good earnest, have left Hartlebury in a very dull state : for they 
were always in good humour, lively, and chearful, ever ready with 



* Magdalen College, Oxford. 

f This was highly honourable and delicate conduct in the Bishop towards a College, where he might 
be supposed to have had considerable interest. 

% Barbara, Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Gladdin, Esquire, of Durrent Hall, County of Derby. 
She married Sir Talbot Clarke, Baronet, of the County of Leicester, who died in 1723-4. She afterwards 
married J. Morgan, Esquire, County of Monmouth. 



I 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



30Q 



something to keep up conversation, and disposed to give it the most 
diverting turn ; and being now deprived of the cause that raised 
our spirits, we find to our cost, they sink lower than before. I really 
was amazed to see her Ladyship's temper so little altered from 
what I knew it in the gayest part of her life ; for she has not escaped 
the common lot, (to which all mortals are born,) of having many 
things fall out in the course of time to thwart her inclinations, to 
disappoint her expectations, to rouse her passions, and, in short, to 
bring a weight that would have sat heavy and very uneasy upon a 
feeble mind ; but good judgment, with a calm and steady courage, 
have strength equal to all trials. They have enabled her to treat cross 
accidents as trifles, and I am pleased in thinking that I have some 
other friends, who in those valuable qualities, are as happy as she can 
be. Indeed, Madam, your Letter by her Servant, was extremely 
welcome, for I thought it very long since I had heard from you, and 
could not but fear, that indisposition, of some sort or other, occasioned 
your silence. 

I am heartily glad that so much of your time has been taken up 
with travelling from place to place, for nothing was more likely to 
contribute to your health ; and, at the end of every journey, you had a 
new scene of pleasure ; variety of objects, variety of friends, and all 
engaging. At London, particularly, you could not fail of being most 
agreeably delighted, in the caresses of many endearing relations, and 
intimate acquaintances ; and I am sure, you would feel an inexpressible 
pleasure at your heart, on seeing your dear and deserving son making 
himself master of all those improvements that are requisite to the 
finishing of a fine Gentleman. I should be highly delighted to see him 
here, and if his kind Mother were with him, I should desire no other 
company. 



010 



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By the character you give of Mrs. Peyto,* and which is confirmed 
by all her neighbours, it seems that Providence has thrown her 
nephew's estate into very good hands. May she continue in good 
health to enjoy it as she does ! for though I do not know her, I 
heartily wish well to one who endeavours to keep up good humour 
and a sociable disposition among her acquaintance and friends : it 
speaks her to be not more a Gentlewoman than a Christian ; for nothing 
inspires good-nature and complaisance more effectually than the 
Gospel. 

I am not a little pleased to understand, by a Letter I had lately from 

Mrs, , that the circumstances of her family no longer give her 

disturbance. Her prudence has enabled her to digest whatever was 
disagreeable in them, and she now knows the worst ; she finds she can 
bear it, and I hope, with God's blessing, the remaining part of her life 
will be easy and comfortable. 

Our beautiful Lady Coventry t is still living, but under so many 
infirmities, that there seems to be little hope of her recovery. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Mrs. Peyto dying without Children, she gave her Estate in Warwickshire to the Ancestor of the 
present Lord Willoughby de Broke. 

t The beautiful Miss Gunnings had not yet appeared in our hemisphere ^ this must have been, either 
Anne, Daughter of Henry, Duke of Beaufort, Widow of Thomas, the Second Earl of Coventry, who lived 
till 1763, or the Widow of Gilbert, the Fourth Earl of Coventry, who was also then alive. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



311 



LETTER XXXV. 

December 4tb, 1734, 

MADAM, 

I was extremely pleased at the receipt of your 
Letter, to hear that the young Gentleman had declined a journey to 
Bath, and made his going thither entirely an act of obedience. I 
should not have wondered, had he accepted the offer readily and 
contentedly ; for great variety of the best company, and an uninter- 
rupted course of diversion among them, are strong temptations, and 
not easily resisted, especially by one who is qualified to make a figure 
in them ; but it is a sign that his thoughts have taken a better 
turn, that reason is his guide in the choice of his pleasures, and that 
he thinks himself happiest in your company. Indeed, Madam, as the 
world goes, (to say nothing more,) he is so uncommon a blessing, that 
Providence seems to have given him to you, to counterbalance every 
thing else that may be disagreeable in life, and I have much ado to 
forbear chiding you, for giving me a hint that you are low-spirited, 
whilst you have such a son. At this time of the year, every body is 
invited to gaiety and mirth, and your complaisance to your neighbours 
will, I know, carry you a great way in a seeming compliance with 
the season ; but I would have you do it heartily — I would have you 
cheerful not only when your friends are about you, which good- 
breeding prompts you to, but when you are alone and in your closet. 
I would have you drive away every thought that pretends to disturb 
your repose, and entertain such only as bring comfort along with 
them; this advice may seem difficult, but is really practicable by those 
who always remember, that the faults and follies of other people may 



312 THE LIFE OF 

perhaps touch them to the quick, but that none can dangerously hurt 
them but their own. 

I pray for every thing that is desirable to you and your family ; that 
God would please to preserve your health, to lengthen your days, and 
make you truly happy in all that are to come ; and am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER XXXVI. 

December C9th, 1735. 

MADAM, 

I was fully apprized of the circumstances of your 
family, and of what had lately happened in it, before I wrote my last 
_etter to Mrs. Kerr, who has the true concern of a friend for your welfare, 
and is not ignorant of what has passed, gave me an account of it with 
indignation, in terms which your nice tenderness would not suffer you 
to use. One is amazed to hear how indiscreetly, how shamefully, some 
folks expose their follies, without regard to decency or reputation ; 
but where religion, and morality are discarded, it is no wonder that 
good-nature goes with them. I am sorry at my heart for what you 
have long suffered with inimitable patience ; but am really glad that 
you have at last betaken yourself to a retirement, where you may 
neither see nor (as much as is possible,) hear any thing to disgust you. 
Your time is now your own, and much of it will be spent in thinking : 
but I charge you, let your thoughts turn only upon agreeable subjects. 
Think what blessings Providence may yet have in store for you, or at 
least how great a reward will certainly crown your humble submission 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



313 



to its severe dispensations. Think how well you have deserved, and 
let that thought raise in you a becoming pride, to set you above, and 
make you despise, the ungrateful returns that have been made you. 
Time will come, when they who give you trouble, may, (unlikely as 
it appears,) have sober reflections, and those will be very bitter ones ; 
whilst you, who have borne your griefs silently and laboured to cover 
faults, so long as they were willing to conceal themselves, may, and 
have reason to possess your soul in peace. I own I have set you a 
hard lesson ; but yon are well qualified to learn it. God has given 
you understanding and judgment in a more than ordinary measure, 
every way equal to the task imposed, and no difficulties will be 
insuperable to them ; they are heroic virtues, without which, courage 
is insignificant, and were not given to be exercised in small matters } 
but to struggle and triumph. As for the young Gentleman, I have 
not the least apprehension that he can be hurt by the company he is 
in ; his good disposition, and good-sense, or if they should prove 
weak, (which I do not fear,) the manner in which he lives will secure 
him. Vice is deformed in its best disguise, even when it appears 
modest and shamefaced ; but when it throws off all restraint, and grows 
bold and impudent, it is ugly, it is loathsome, and creates aversion. 

I doubt not, but Lady Kaye has informed you, that all things are 
agreed betwixt Lord North and Lady Lewisham. It seems to be a 
very proper match in all respects, nor can any body wonder, that the 
Lady should yield to the Addresses of a young Lord, who is said to 
have been long her admirer, and is truly valuable in himself. Be 
pleased to present my services to good Mrs. Marow. I pray for every 
thing that may be happy to you both, and am, 

Madam, &c. 

s s 



t 



314 



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LETTER XXXVII. 

October 13th, 1735. 

MADAM, 

When I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Knightley 
here, he told me you expected Mrs. Wilmot's good company. I hope 
she came to you in safety, and that no indisposition, or cross accident, 
interrupted your mutual enjoyment of each other. It is but seldom 
that friends who have families at a distance can have the opportunity 
of coming together ; but their interviews are the more endearing ; we 
all perceive it in our turns, and feel a different motion in our hearts 
at the reception of those we love, and who have long been absent, from 
what the daily visits of our nearest relations, or kindest neighbours can 
give us. I have lately been extremely sensible of this, in the very 
kind visit Mrs. Kerr has obliged me with. She came from London 
hither, (which is ninety-five miles) in three days, and was in so lively 
and good a humour after the journey, as not to seem fatigued. I was 
most agreeably delighted at the sight of her, as I have been ever since 
in her conversation ; but to-morrow I must lose her, which, in truth, I 
cannot think of without regret ; for she is very entertaining, and it is 
altogether unlikely we should ever meet again. God grant her a safe 
and an easy return to her own house, that she may have no reason to 
repent giving me so distinguishing a mark of her favour. A day 
seldom passed wherein we did not recollect old stories, and talk often 
of Berkswell-Hall, Packington, and Birbury. I offered her my Coach 
to attend her into Warwickshire, where I knew how much pleasure 
she would have found, and how welcome she would have been ; but as 
I could not wait on her myself, she entirely declined it. To tell you 



BISHOP HOUGH 



315 



the truth, I believe she thought she had travelled enough for one 
season, though her good-breeding made her give other reasons for 
staying where she was. 

You must needs have heard the fame of Ward's Pills, and particu- 
larly how serviceable they have been to two great Ladies in this 
country . The benefit poor Lady Foley found was of short continuance ; 
for my Lord, who was here the other day, says she is very much 
amiss; and Lady Coventry went up to Town about a fortnight since, 
almost as ill as she was at first. I pray God to keep you, Madam, 
and all those we love and esteem, from having need of such remedies ; 
for they know not what they are, they work unaccountably, and 
methinks are not to be ventured upon, but in extremity. 

Miss Biddulph has been some time indisposed, has looked pale and 
sickly, and very much abated in her sprightly humour, so that we 
began to be in very great concern for her ; but she now seems to have 
got the better of it, and improves in her health every day. She 
deserves a part in your good wishes, for she was an early admirer 
of your son, in whom I pray you may have a lasting blessing. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER XXXVIIL 

December 15th, ] 73J. 

MADAM, 

Since I had the honor of your last Letter, nothing 
has happened in this place, or within my notice, that I thought fit to 

s s 2 



310 THE LIFE OF 

give you the trouble of hearing. Good manners, good-nature, and a 
sincere concern for the welfare of our friends, always suggest somewhat 
to say to them ; but those sayings, by frequent repetitions, wear 
threadbare ; they dwindle into words of course, little better than 
impertinence ; and whenever I am disposed to use them, it shall not 
be to your Ladyship. For this reason I withheld my pen, till I had 
something else to write of, and am now furnished with a mournful 
subject, the death of your kind acquaintance, and my obliging 
neighbour, the Lady Foley,* who on the 5th Instant, was released out 
of a very uncomfortable life. I am confident you know, that her 
distemper was a Dropsy, that she was twice tapped, and twelve 
gallons of water drawn from her ; but all too little to remove the 
malignant cause of that predominant humour ; as, indeed, I have not 
heard that this operation, though frequently practised, ever wrought 
a perfect cure. It helps to put off the fatal hour a few days, or weeks, 
whilst the Patient languishes, incapable of any enjoyment ; and where 
is the value of such a respite? Her corpse is expected at Whitley this 
evening, and will be the first that enters a vault in the fine, new 
Chapel, built and completely finished by herself, but not yet made use 
of. Nothing yet is spoken of her Will, but she was thought to have 
a great deal in her own power, and the young Lady's t fortune, very 
plentiful already, will in all likelihood be much enlarged. 

I presume the name, at least, of Mr. Bowater Vernon $ is not 
unknown to you, for he made no small figure in this neighbourhood. 



* Dowager Lady Foley, was Mary, the Daughter of Thomas Strode, Esquire, Serjeant at Law. 
t The Honourable Elizabeth Foley, her only surviving Daughter, who it is believed, never married. 
J Vide page 213. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 317 

His Estate in land and money, is said to be little less than £ 10,000 
yearly — his house and gardens the finest in our country — his furniture 
rich, his equipage very handsome, and his table elegant. All this he 
enjoyed with a very fine and truly valuable Lady, by whom there is a 
Son and two Daughters. Could this world make any man more 
happy ? but all could not guard him against the stroke of a Palsy, 
which laid him with his Ancestors a few days since, and in him I lost 
an intimate and very kind friend. 

The Duke of Buckingham, * we are told, has left all that he could 
dispose of to the Duchess his Mother, and indeed, her tenderness 
deserved his utmost gratitude ; but if the newspapers rightly inform 
us, she is likely to follow him very soon, being inconsolable for his 
loss, and dangerously indisposed. 

Had I had any thing cheerful and entertaining to offer, I would not 
have set before you such melancholy scenes of sickness and death ; 
and I hope you will have no occasion to make me a return in kind. I 
expect rather from Oftchurch, to hear what life and health suggest to 
the young Gentleman ; I mean the increase of your family, in the 
choice of a deserving Lady, whom he and you may long be happy in ; 
it is a blessing you both deserve, and is heartily and earnestly prayed 
for by, 

Madam, &c. 



* Edmund Sheffield, Second Duke of Buckingham, died unmarried, November, 1735. Pope wrote his 
Epitaph. Catherine, his Mother, was an illegitimate Daughter of James II., by Catherine, a Daughter 
of Sir Charles Sedley, Baronet, who was created Countess of Dorchester, by her Royal paramour. 



318 



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LETTER XXXIX. 

January 6th, 17^5-6. 

MADAM, 

I believe young Mr. Greves in all respects to be, 
what your character represents him. If he offers himself a Candidate 
at Magdalen College at the next Election, I heartily wish him success, 
and have so good an opinion of the President and the Electors, as to 
promise myself they will do justice to his merit ; but, indeed, I have 
put it out of my power to move them in his behalf, having solemnly 
promised Dr. Butler,* when he made Mr. Blithe a Demy, never 
afterwards to importune him. When I was in his office, I found it an 
intolerable hardship to lie open to solicitations from all quarters, and 
at the same time to be under a strict injunction of the Statutes to let 
none of them influence me. Almost every year brought a quarrel 
upon my hands from somebody or other, who expected to be gratified, 
and whom it was not in my power to oblige ; so that in good earnest I 
was weary of living in the college, chiefly on this account, and should 
of all persons be most unpardonable, did I not remember it, and for- 
bear to add weight to that burden, which I felt too heavy on my 
own shoulders. 

I am told that Mr. Kinnersley is dead, and that the disconsolate 
widow is with child. 



* At this time President of Magdalen College. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



310 



Having lately troubled you with a long Letter, I add no more in this, 
than to express my prayers that the coming year, and all that are to 
follow it, may be truly happy to you ; being, 

Madam, &c. 

LETTER XL. 

February 2nd, 1735= 

MADAM, 

Your obliging Letter of January 19th has explained 
what you hinted so tenderly before, that I was not sure I had a 
right notion of it : but now I know more than I hope is true ; not 
from your Ladyship's account, whom good-nature and good-breeding 
always dispose to make the best of a bad matter ; but from common 
fame, which is not more expeditious in divulging an affair, than spiteful 
in exposing every circumstance. I do not remember any thing of this 
kind to have been more publicly talked of, or with less reserve ; and 
I hope the unfortunate Gentleman does not know how far it has spread ; 
if he does, it is enough to make him melancholy and retired as long as 
he lives, though he might otherwise forgive, and in some measure 
forget the offence. Mr. Townshend and his wife have been at Bath 
two months ; they hold frequent correspondence with me, and often 
speak of the company that is there. I am grieved to hear what you tell 
me of good Mrs. Wilmot, who has some time complained of being 
asthmatical, and an inflammation comes very unwelcomeiy on the lungs 
so affected : but, God be thanked ! she has found relief, and in all 



3 C 20 



THE LIFE Ol 



probability the present danger is little to be feared. Lady Lewisham 
was married * on Saturday was se'nnight. I really believe the Town 
was sincere, (which does not often happen,) in their kind wishes. In 
truth all appearances promise as much happiness to her in the change 
of her name, as her dearest friends, or her own heart, can desire ; but 
the blessing of God only can crown and make them prosperous, which 
I pray may be always over her. 

I hope you and Mrs. Marow enjoy good health, and will long have 
comfort in each other. I wish that Berkswell may always be a cheerful, 
as well as a quiet scene, and am, 

Madam, &c. 

LETTER XLI. 

February 14th, 1737- 

MADAM, 

Your Letters always bring me a pleasure, and your 
last was more than ordinary welcome, for it mentioned the young 
Gentleman in such a manner, as gave me no reason to apprehend he 
was otherwise than well. I had been told that the winter began unkindly 



* Vide Page 222. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



321 



with him, and was fearful he might have continued to feel something 
of its severity ; but I take it for granted that his indisposition whatever 
it was, has left him ; otherwise it would certainly have been in your 
head when the pen was in your hand. He uses the blessings, which 
Providence vouchsafes to him, innocently, and reputably ; without 
health they have no relish, and I pray God to keep him in such a state, 
as that he may comfortably enjoy them. 

You are pleased Madam to ask my opinion of inoculating the Small- 
pox, and I must own to you I have been a great stickler for it from 
the time that Lady M. Wortley * brought it into England ; whole 
kingdoms practise it universally, and the Mothers are the operators 
with great safety. An English Physician tells you he saw the practice 
of it at Constantinople above forty years, and never heard of more than 
two that miscarried. Two advantages it evidently has ; that you may 
choose a kindly sort from whence to derive the infection, and can 
prepare the body to receive it ; whereas in the common way, it seizes 
the patient unexpectedly, and very often unseasonably. Since I lived 
in this place I have had opportunity of learning something from my 
own observations. Sir Thomas Lyttelton t inoculated his ten children 



* She was the eldest Daughter of W. Pierrepoint, 1st Duke of Kingston, born 1690 ; married in 1712 
to Edward Wortley Montague, Esquire. Accompanying him to Constantinople, where he was Ambas- 
sador : she there learnt and afterwards introduced Inoculation in England, and began by inoculating 
her only Sen and Daughter. She died in 1762 leaving one Son Edward Wortley Montague, Esquire ; 
and one Daughter, Mary, married to John, 3d Earl, Father to the present Earl and 1st Marquis of 
Bute. 

f Father of George, the First Lord Lyttelton. 

T T 



322 



THE LIFE Ol 



without the help of a Doctor. Mr. Nash,* a neighbouring Gentleman, 
did the like to eight ; as did Lord Coventry to his three Sons ; all of 
whom went through the distemper successfully, and no ill consequence 
followed : notwithstanding this, the method loses ground, even in this 
country ; for Parents are tender and fearful, not without hope their 
children may escape this disease, or have it favourably ; whereas, in 
the way of art, should it prove fatal, they could never forgive them-' 
selves : for this reason, nobody dares to advise in the case ; but setting 
the dangers and the hazards on both sides in opposition to each other, 
it is not, I believe, difficult to guess, which of them a wise and dispas- 
^sionate man would choose, f 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XLII 

May 4th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

You could not have given me a greater pleasure 
than in letting me know, that the winter and spring have passed well 



* Father of the Reverend Doctor T. Nash, Author of the History of Worcestershire, who died in 
January, 1811, aged 85. 

•f It did great honour to the three persons here mentioned, that they withstood the strong prejudices 
against Inoculation on its first introduction. There are similar prejudices against Vaccination, intro- 
duced by Dr. Jenner, though neither of them absolute novelties : but the latter has been approved by 
the most eminent of the faculty, and is now generally practised. It has this great advantage, that it 
does not spread by contagion, like the Small-pox. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



323 



over with the young Gentleman, and that he has met with a remedy, 
that promises to confirm his health. The herb he uses was in great 
repute heretofore. The ancient Herbalists celebrate its virtues above 
any other plant except Sage : they instance in variety of disorders, 
wherein it has a mighty influence. The common people hold it in 
such veneration, that they call it herb of Grace, and I wish, if it were 
but for the namesake, that somebody else would drink it with your 
Son. I take it for granted, likewise, that the season has been favour- 
able to Mrs. Marow and yourself. God keep you both in good 
plight, and make your meeting with dear Mrs. Wilmot truly com- 
fortable. How would it delight me to spend a day or two with you 
in that good old house, where I have known the genteelest hospitality 
to reign, and in the easiest manner. But I must content myself to 
converse with such of my friends as good-nature and indulgence to old 
age bring hither, and to correspond with the rest, so long as I am able, 
and they will give me leave. I hear every body speak of your nephew 
Wilmot,* as one of the most hopeful young Gentlemen at the Bar: 
he has escaped a severe fever ; and if God blesses him with better 
health for the future, as is often the case, he may, without presump- 
tion, aspire to any thing in the course of his profession ; and has no 
small encouragement from what he has seen, since his acquaintance 
with Westminster-hall, in four or five of the long Robe, f who have 
reached the top in the prime of their years. 



* The late Sir John Eardley Wilmot, afterwards Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, then 27 years of 
age : this seems almost prophetic. 

f Lord Talbot, Lord Hardwicke, Sir Dudley Ryder ; which last, was made Attorney-general in the 
year 1736, and was afterwards Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, Grandfather of tin 
present Earl of Harrowby. 

T T 2 



324 



THE LIFE OF 



I fancy, Madam, the Bill for lowering the interest of money, which 
all the Ladies in the kingdom have opposed, and for whose sake, I 
presume, it was at last thrown out, has given you no disturbance ; 
but had it passed, it would have fallen hard upon the Birbury family, 
to which fourteen belong, and who, within a few years, will have 
nothing but Money to trust to. * 

We now have summer in good earnest ; I hope you enjoy it at 
Berkswell, where I wish every thing may concur to your ease and 
satisfaction. May all other blessings and comforts continue to give 
you pleasure, and may that Providence which has exercised your 
patience, reward it ! 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XLIIL 

July 25th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

I have been so tedious in answer to the Letter t you 
fcent me, (for I would gladly do my utmost to give ease to a troubled 
spirit,) that in good earnest I am quite tired, and must put you off 
this time with a very short acknowledgment of your favors. The 



* There was great opposition, both in and out of Parliament to the Bill proposed this Sessions, in the 
House of Commons, for lowering the Interest of Money, which was not carried. at this time, 
■fr Probably containing some Religious scruples. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



325 



Gentlewoman who wrote it is, I really believe, good and sincere, and 
much better than many who have no scruples about Religion ; but her 
doubts are all about small things, and grounded upon mistakes either 
in the matter or measure of her duty ; which, I fear, will never be 
removed, unless God pleases to work a change in her constitution : for 
I take the disorder of her body, to be the true cause of disquiet in her 
mind. I hope she will not reply, for I can offer no better reasons than 
I have given, and at my time of age, am very unfit to hold up a 
controversy. I will pray earnestly, that the blessed spirit of God may 
enlighten her understanding and resolve her doubts ! and that it may 
please him to use some other instrument better able to serve her, than 

Madam, &c. 
LETTER XLIV. 

February 1st, 1737c 

MADAM, 

When you wrote the last Letter you honoured me with, 
you touched upon the dangerous indisposition which our most accom- 
plished Queen laboured under, as what might possibly have one good 
effect : but it failed even of that ; it soon proved fatal, and our loss 
is irreparable. She has left us destitute of her wisdom and inimitable 
address; and whether the breach in the Royal house may be healed or 
kept open by this melancholy Providence, is what nobody can pretend 
to guess at, till further advance has been made in the present Session 
of Parliament. God, if he pleases, can dispose those who are chiefly 
concerned therein, seriously to consider the present situation of our 



326 



THE LIFE OF 



affairs, and to join in such measures, as may effectually promote the 
honor of the Nation and the establishment of our peace : but if party 
disgusts arise, our hopes will depend upon the strength of our Prayers, 
for little can be expected from the result of divided counsels. The 
King seems to have a weight of sorrow at his heart, almost insup- 
portable : duty and good-nature, call upon his people to use their 
utmost endeavours to lighten it : they all express an ardent desire to 
do so ; and when his Majesty has recovered the serenity of his temper, 
he will naturally reflect, with kind resentment, on those who have 
helped to restore it, and think on the properest means to make them 
sensible of it.* 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XLV. 

September 12th, 1737. 

MADAM, 

I am very glad to hear my last came safe to your 
hands, for I should have been heartily vexed, had it lost its way, and 
disappointed the good Lady in the Answer she expected from me. If 
I have, in any measure, contributed to the ease of her mind, I have 



* This Letter shews so much loyalty to his Sovereign, and pays so just a tribute to the memory of 
Queen Caroline, at the same time that it exhibits so superior and serene a mind of the Bishop in his 
87th year, that it was thought the Reader might like to see it, as it were, under his own hand in a Fac- 
simile Engraving. Vide annexed Plate. 



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BISHOP HOUGH. 



327 



reason to thank God for making me instrumental in it : she had given 
way to unnecessary scruples ; and if she is now sensible that they were 
so, it is a good sign that her judgment begins to get the better of her 
imagination, and will keep it within due bounds. 

My valuable neighbours, Mr. Sandys* and his Lady, are preparing 
for Bath next month, and Mr. Townshend and his Wife, f (who is 
sister to Dr. Byrche,) will follow them in a little time. I pray God, 
they may there meet with all the benefit they look for ; but I shall 
be very solitary in their absence, for hardly any body will be left 
within reach, with whom I intimately and freely converse. If the 
young Gentleman returns thither whilst they are in the place, I 
am sure he will be pleased in their company, and they in his. It 
grieves me to hear, that the Gout has found the way to Lady 
Aylesford's head and stomach. God grant she may find relief in an 
effectual remedy ! otherwise, her deserving Lord will lose a very good 
Wife, and an excellent economist. The newspaper, that came by the 
last Post, tells us of a man at Paris, who with a decoction of some 
herbs, drank like Tea, cures the most inveterate Gout, and even 
restores limbs that are crippled by it. I hope her Ladyship will be 
able to obtain, and experience the utmost advantage of it. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



* Afterwards Lord Sandys, 
f She -was niece to his Wife. 



328 



THE LIFE OF 



LETTER XLVL 

May 10th, 1739. 

MADAM. 

The last Letter you honoured me with, spake with 
an uncomfortable diffidence of success in the course of an affair * the 
issue whereof I cannot choose but expect with a good deal of impatience. 
I think it to be really of utmost importance to the persons chiefly 
concerned ; likely with God's blessing to afford that happiness to them 
in each other, which may be sought for in vain elsewhere ; and there- 
fore I will allow no friend you have in the world to pray more warmly 
than I do, that every obstacle may be removed, and every difficulty 
surmounted, that stands in the way of its conclusion. Indeed I shall 
be highly delighted when you are able to tell me, all matters are agreed 
to mutual satisfaction ; your heart will then be at rest in the tenderest 
object of your cares, and I promise myself your patience and prudence 
will be proof against all other instances wherein they may be exercised. 

I was heartily sorry to see in one of the public papers not long 
since, that Lady Kaye's Steward had been some days missing and that 
it was feared mischief had befallen him. If he was a valuable servant 
her Ladyship's loss will not easily be repaired ; for I have learned 
from more than fifty years experience, that a man well qualified for 
such a post, by a reasonable degree of understanding in business and 



* Probably relative to a matrimonial connection for her Son. 



BISHOP HOUGH 3 C 2Q 

by fidelity and diligence in the dispatch of it, is hard to be met with, 
and it must be a happy providence that brings such another into her 
family. If he was wanting either in skill, or honesty, and has thought 
fit to absent himself, one knows not what she may suffer, nor how great 
disorder she may find in her Accounts. But News-writers are not always 
to be depended upon; they sometimes are misinformed ; they often 
misspell names, or put one for another ; they are suspected to amuse 
us with their own inventions, when facts are wanting to fill up a void 
space in their papers ; and we will hope either that the Lady's name 
is mistaken, or (which is altogether as likely,) that no such thing has 
happened. 

Chancellor Byrche, with his whole family, is now at Leacroft, and if 
his affairs will give him leave to visit Packington, he will have a further 
pleasure in waiting on your Ladyship. I shall then wish myself with 
him, but as that will be in vain, I must content myself to pray that 
he may find you in health, and that the blessing of good Mrs. Marow, 
and yourself may be of long continuance. 

I am Madam, &c„ 



LETTER XLVIL 

June 7 j 1738. 

MADAM, 

The Letter you honoured me with of May 14th } 

brought me a pleasure which I still feel at my heart. You tell me 

that the good Lady who imparted her scruples to me, has in some 

uu 



330 



THE LIFE OF 



measure got the better of them, and is in a way of living, which, with 
God's blessing, will entirely deliver her from them. Believe me, I 
rejoice as much to hear it, as if she was my nearest relation or friend. 
We cannot do a good office, or relieve the necessitous in any case, 
without perceiving it to give us an inward satisfaction above what we 
receive from any temporal advantage ; but as uncomfortable thoughts, 
that perplex the mind, are abundantly more insupportable than any 
thing that affects the body, how happy is that person whom Providence 
makes instrumental in removing, or at least in lightening the weight of 
them ! Indeed, it raises my spirits in reflecting that I have really done 
a more valuable service, than if I had applied my whole income to 
charitable uses. I sincerely thank God for giving me the opportunity, 
and have a reasonable confidence, that as the Lady's health improves, 
her quiet will do so too. 

You ask my thoughts, Madam, on Milton's Mask of Comus. It 
must needs be fine, for everything he wrote was so in its kind. I once 
heard it mentioned, but never saw it, and though old age has not quite 
taken away my taste for entertainments of that sort, yet they seldom, 
if ever, come in my way, and I forbear to seek them at the Bookseller's 
hands, because I am not sure but he may think I ought to be more 
seriously employed. I hope the young Gentleman now is, or soon 
will be with you. I shall patiently wait two or three months to see 
how you will dispose of him ; and my best wishes and warmest prayers 
shall be, that it may turn to the lasting comfort of his life. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



331 



LETTER XLVIII. 

October 27th, 1739. 

MADAM, 

I rejoice to have it under your hand, that your eyes 
are returning to their use. I had not heard that they were amiss, and 
it was happy for me that I did not know it ; for as the thought of 
losing my own is dreadful, I should have been under no small anxiety, 
whilst those of a friend I so much value were in danger. Mr. Smith 
has long been celebrated for his judgment in all those infirmities that 
affect the eyes, and his success has been equal to his skill. As he has 
already diverted the humour that disturbed you, I doubt not, but he 
will be able to fortify you against its return, and God grant you may 
never hear more of it ! I have daily prayed for your health and 
welfare in general, and shall now be more particular in my intercession, 
that God will bless those means you make use of for your recovery, 
and direct the hand that applies them. 

A melancholy circumstance has lately befallen me, which admits of 
no remedy ; yet I cannot keep it from sitting upon my spirits, nor 
shall I easily find the proper means of removing it. — I have lost my 
friend, Mr. Townshend, who was not only a near neighbour, but a 
frequent and very agreeable companion. He and his Wife went to 
Bath, about the middle of September ; she very much out of order, 
and he not without complaints : they got thither without any mis- 
chance ; but a few days after, he had a feverish disorder, which, on the 
first of this Instant, proved fatal. He has left his personal Estate, 

uu2 



332 



THE LIFE OF 



with the rents of his land, to his Wife during life, and made her sole 
Executrix. He could do no more, unless he had left her the Inheritance, 
which it was not reasonable to expect or desire. The Water, and other 
remedies she has used, has agreed beyond expectation, and I hope she 
may live to have comfort in the plenty her husband has given her 

You must have heard, Madam, that Mr. Lygon,* a young Gentle- 
man every way deserving, with a clear and very considerable Estate 
in this country, has lately married one of Mrs. Hanmer's daughters. 
I sent my compliments to them on Tuesday last, and I hear that she 
is a very pretty brown Woman ; her Mother is with her, and cannot 
choose but be well pleased. I heartily wish your son was as well 
matched ; he has, without a compliment, every thing in himself to 
recommend him, and I persuade myself, Providence has in reserve for 
him some Lady who is equally deserving. f 

I little dreamed of living to the age I am now arrived at, and can 
truly say I am not solicitous to lengthen my days ; for what temp- 
tation can this world have in it, to one who has seen through, and 
discovered the vanity of it ? but the prospect of seeing you at ease, and 
your son well settled in the World, works in me a desire stronger 



* The Father of the late William Lygon, Esquire, often M. P. for the County of Worcester, a Man 
universally esteemed both for his public and private conduct. He succeeded to a great part of the 
property of William Jennens, Esquire, of Suffolk, was made a peer in 1806 by the Title of Lord Beau- 
champ of Powicke ; a Title formerly in his family, which was very ancient. He married the Daughter 
of James Denn, Esquire, and died in 1788, leaving the present Lord and many Children. 

t The good Bishop's wish was accomplished, for he was afterwards married to Miss K. Musgrave, 
who is still living. She is the Daughter cf the Reverend James Musgrave, at that time Rector o£ 
Gransde n, Couaty of Cambridge. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



333 



than ordinary ; — stronger, indeed, than I ought to entertain, of living 
till it be effectually accomplished. You are so kind as to give me a hint 
that I may possibly behold your joy, and join my own with it. I 
dare not indulge so flattering a thought : but you may be assured, 
that if I hold out to that time, not too much a spectacle of mortality, 
but capable, in some measure, of giving a decent reception to my 
friends, none will bring truer pleasure to me than yourself. 

I am, Madam, &c. 



LETTER XLIX. 

May* 2nd, 1741. 

MADAM, 

I had the favour of your Letter not many days 
after I received a most merciful, I may say almost miraculous, deli- 
verance from Fire. The danger was so great, and in appearance so 
inevitable, that the frightful idea still dwells upon my mind, and I 
should think myself wanting in what is due to the friendship you honor 
me with, if I did not give you an account of it. The first discovery 
made of it, was on Easter-day about five in the morning, in a large 
Store-chamber, full of things not very combustible. Harrison,! 
whom perhaps you may remember, lodged under, and first perceived 
it : he heard an unusual noise over his head, and running up to see 



* The Bishop was 90 this month. 

t One of three Brothers who lived with him, all of whom he mentioned with affection in his Will, and 
left them Legacies. 



884 



THE LIFE OF 



what was the matter, found the room in flames from side to side, which 
so mated him and the servants who came after, that they knew not 
which way to turn themselves ; and had not Providence sent more 
help, and sooner than could have been expected, the roof was 
beginning to take fire, and it must have gone through the whole 
house without controul. I was ignorant of all this, being as remote 
from it as possible, but every body about me talking of nothing else, 
and the concern being chiefly mine, has made as strong an impression 
upon my imagination as on theirs ; something happened during the day, 
as accidental in common estimation as can be imagined ; but God was 
pleased to make our safety depend upon it. I would let you know 
what it was, could I do it without troubling you with abundance of 
words. 

You tell me, Madam, Sir Harry Gough* has married a fine Lady, 
and I wish him very happy in her, not doubting but there is one in 
store for a friend of ours, truly desirable in all respects. Lady Frances 
Courtenayt is happy in a husband, who has a great estate and as 
noble blood in his veins, as any Gentleman can boast of: for his 
Ancestor was son to Lewis the Gross of France, and the Courtenays 
dispute it with the present Lewis, whether his progenitor or theirs was 
the elder brother ; but to tell you my mind freely, I could have been 



* Of Edgbaston, county of Warwick; created a Baronet in 1728, had married Catherine, Daughter of 
Sir John Harpur, Baronet, of Calke, county of Derby, for his first Wife ; who dying in June, 1740, he 
married Barbara, Daughter of R. Calthorpe, Esquire : the late Sir Henry was created a Peer in 1796, 
by the Title of Lord Calthorpe. 

f Daughter of Heneage Finch, Earl of Aylesford, and Wife of Sir William Courtenay, Baronet, mar- 
ried in 1741. Sir William was cheated a Viscount in 1762, and died a short time after. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



335 



contented to make some abatement in these matters, to have seen her 
settled at Aston among her relations and friends. 

Lord Aylesford has very honourably parted with two Daughters ; 
two more remain. May his Lordship be as happy in the disposal of 
them, who want no merit to recommend them ! I hope every thing 
will favour your designed journey to Derby, and carry you safe thither ; 
it will cheer good Mrs. Wilmot's heart to see you, and your meeting, 
with God's blessing, may be beneficial to you all. Be pleased to 
present her with my best service, and give me leave to say that, 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER L. 

May 20th, 1741. 

MADAM, 

I have respited my thanks for your kind Letter, till 
I could transmit them free to your hands, which adds something to 
the security of their passage. I take it for granted you are still at Bath, 
though I hope the young Gentleman will soon be able to go with you, 
and recover his strength in a place more retired and more suitable 
to his present state. You do not say whether he had an acute, or 
intermitting fever ; but either of them might give you terrible appre- 
hensions, and I heartily rejoice that those fears are over. Had I 
known of his indisposition when he was under the severity of it, the 
particular affection I bear to, and the very good opinion I have of 
him, would have made me share in all your anxieties ; his recovery 
gives you many comfortable reflections and I feel them too. 



330 



THE LIFE OF 



If I mistake not, Madam, you must in your return home come 
very near me ; from Bath hither will sufficiently tire you, and if you 
please to rest yourself here, you will breathe good air with a sincere 
old friend, and bring to him a pleasure above what he has been sensible 
of in many years. 

I am, Madam, &c 



LETTER LI. 

November 23d, 1741. 

MADAM, 

Your Letter of September 28th was so full and so 
instructive, that I amuse myself often in reviewing, over and over, the 
several particulars of which it consists ; and I ought to have returned 
my best thanks for it long before this time : but to tell you a truth, 
(which I am apt to think you may wonder you have not heard of 
sooner), the indolence of old age, brought upon me by decay in every 
faculty of mind and body, has made writing a work which I cannot any 
longer think of, or set about with pleasure. My hand moves very 
slowly, and yet my thoughts have much ado to keep pace with it. I 
take up the pen, and am at a loss what to say ; nay, I sometimes ima- 
gine myself in good tune, when a drowsy vapor arises, and shuts my 
eyes. These infirmities I expected twenty years ago, and therefore by 
no means complain of them now. It becomes me to adore that gracious 
Providence, which has brought them upon me leisurely, and suffered 
my life to wear out in an easy and quiet manner. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



337 



Your Letter, Madam, of October 14th puts me out of countenance, 
and a third of the 17th instant, throws me into confusion. How shall 
I express my sense of your favours, or of my own demerit? I can only 
say, that the first do and will, whilst I live, sit warm at my heart; the 
other, I refer to your Ladyship's indulgence, which is always more in- 
clinable to pity than censure the feelings of your friend. 

Methinks, I am revived myself in hearing of the young Gentleman's 
recovery, though not a little surprized at his return to Bath ; for Mr. 
Palmer of Ladbrook was here not long since, and told me with some 
assurance, that provision was making at Offchurch for your reception 
and settlement there. I was afraid he had not sufficient ground for his 
confidence ; but he spoke the universal wish of Warwickshire, and was 
not the only man who flattered himself in some appearances that way. 
I pray God, that you and good Mrs. Marow may enjoy health 
and tranquillity. 

I am, Madam, &c. 
LETTER LII. 

July 7th, 1742. 

MADAM, 

You did me the honor to inform me of your journey 
to Town, and my best wishes followed you with peculiar warmth ; for 
I took it for granted, you went in order to the settlement of an affair, 
on which the welfare of your family depended : perhaps I was mistaken 
in your business, or you might have good reason to delay it; but till 

xx 



338 THE LIFE OF 

God is pleased to bring it to pass, I know it will be a weight upon 
your thoughts, of which your friends would rejoice to see you happily 
eased, nor can they in the mean time forbear to feel a part. In one 
thing, however, your mind has been relieved, viz., in seeing a dis- 
temper well over with the young Gentleman, which, in the natural 
way, never fails to bring dreadful apprehensions with it. He now is 
only marked as one, who may look upon himself as safe from a second 
visit, and I hope we may, without presumption, infer that this attack 
upon his health has contributed to its establishment, in as much as 
what constantly kept up our fears, no longer hangs over his head. 
You are now, Madam, at sweet Berkswell ; may your late absence 
from it, the hurry of the town, and the indisposition you have suffered 
endear all its pleasures, and may you and good Mrs. Marow long 
enjoy them and each other without interruption ! I am, 

Madam, &c. 



LETTER LIV .* 

April 4th, 1743. 

MADAM, 

Three months have passed since you honored me 
with a Letter, which deserved my earliest and best thanks. I had 



* The Bishop was 92 on the 12th of this month ; and yet this Letter, written only a few weeks 
before his death, with the sprightliness of youth and the piety of old age, exhibits an interesting 
picture of urbanity, as well as of Christian fortitude and resignation. For the reason mentioned before, 
a Fac-simile of it is given. Vide annexed Plate. 



BISHOP HOUGH 



339 



heard of the young Gentleman's painful indisposition. I felt the con- 
cern of a truly affectionate friend, and the notice you gave me of his 
recovery brought ease to my mind ; but in good truth, I was not 
then in a good condition to tell you so. A severe cold disturbed me, 
almost continually ; it allowed me to do nothing but doze away the 
time in rambling, incoherent thoughts, which was no proper time to 
address the most sensible of my friends ; I think I have now gotten 
the better of it, and am easy as I was before. 

Thus far had I written when your most obliging Letter of March the 
30th came to my hand, and told me of your kind concern for my welfare. 
By the mercy of God, I can still say I never am sick, nor feel any sharp 
pain ; but everyday is a great portion of the life that can be expected by 
one so old as I am, and indeed, I think I have not many to come. I 
am much pleased that Mr. Eardly Wilmot has chosen a Wife whose 
character you approve ; it is an argument of his good sense, that he 
looks not after money in the first place ; for if God gives him life and 
health he cannot fail of making his fortune. 

I grow weary of my pen, but cannot leave off till I have told you, 
that the next time the King goes to the House of Lords, an Act of 
Parliament will pass, for committing Elmley Castle in this county, and 
the estates belonging to it, in Trust to Lord Deerhurst, Lord Guernsey, 
and Mr. John Biddulph, for a Term of years, who, (if Chancellor 
Byrche's son lives to the age of twenty-one,) are to deliver it up to 
him so absolutely, as that he, taking the name of Savage, may settle 
or sell it as he pleases. He will be twelve years old in May next, is 

xx2 



340 



THE LIFE OF 



handsome in his person, very hopeful, and now at Westminster-school 
There is a charge of £20,000 upon the Estate, but £5,000 of it is to 
his Mother, and it is not long since £44,000 was offered for the pur- 
chase of it. Mrs. Byrche has two Daughters, to whom their Father 
left £1,500 each, but she is able to treble it, if she sees good, and I 
know designs well for them. The eldest is handsome, the youngest 
not ill-favoured, nor ill-shaped. 

Be pleased to give my kind and humble service to Mrs. Marow, and 
to Mrs. Knightley and your Son, when they return to Berkswell, and 
to receive this as the last Letter* that is likely to be written by the 
hand of, 

Madam, 

Your sincerely affectionate Friend, 

and obedient, faithful Servant, 

JO. WORCESTER. 



* This was the last Letter addressed by the Bishop to Mrs. Knightley ; for he died on the 8th of May, 
1743, aged 92. Mis. Knightley survived him seven years, and died 1750, aged 73. 




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BISHOP HOUGH. 



341 



HAVING, by the kindness of Lord and Lady Somers,* 
lately met with some of Bishop Hough's Papers, which were in 
the hands of the Rev. Dr. Nash, the Editor is glad of this 
opportunity, however late, of annexing a few of them, by 
way of Addenda, to the former part of this work. 

The first two are Letters to Dr. Hough in June, and on the 
first of July 1087, when the President and Fellows of Mag- 
dalen College were cited to appear before the Commissioners 
for Ecclesiastical Causes ; a Deputation from the College 
attended on that occasion, and these Letters give some ac- 
count of their reception, and of what passed, from two of 
the Fellows, one of whom was Vice-President of the College, 
and who attended. 

The next is a Letter addressed to Dr. Hough, in August 
1703, when he was Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, by 
the celebrated Mr. Addison, soon after the death of his Father, 
who had been Dean of Lichfield, and died in April of that 
year, before Mr. Addison was known by those writings, 
which afterwards so much distinguished him. This Letter 
shews his attachment to the Bishop, and his respect to the 



* Daughter of the late Reverend Dr. Nash. 



342 



THE LIFE OF 



memory of his Father. The last are selected from many 
private Prayers, which he seems to have composed at different 
periods of his life, for the use of himself and his Wife, Lady 
Lee. 

LETTER I. 

London, June 8th. 

Sir, 

Dr. T. Smith, I presume, has given you a 
full account of what passed last Monday at our first appear- 
ance before the Lords Commissioners. I have likewise sent 
an account of it to the Bishop of Winton yesterday. We 
all waited on his Grace the Duke of Ormond, and intend from 
time to time to give his Grace notice of all occurrences. We 
are to give in our Answer to the question, " Why we did not 
obey the King's Letter?" next Monday, and are now drawing 
it up, as full and with as much strength as possible, by advice 
of the ablest lawyers, both common lawyers and civilians. 
As soon as it is finished, I will send you a copy, if we do not 
see you here before the end of the week. You know best, 
Sir, what is fittest to be done ; it is our opinion that it may 
be convenient for you to come up before Monday, that you 



bishop hough. 343 

may be ready upon any occasion. Our friends at Doctors' 
Commons are of the same opinion, and that immediately 
after our Answer is given in and read, you ought to appear 
by your Proctor before the Commissioners, to allege your 
interest, and plead your Freehold, as being elected, sworn, 
admitted, and in legal and actual possession of the place of 
President. However, Serjeant By rche was of a contrary opinion ; 
we have discoursed with him, and he thinks that you should 
continue at the College. We intend this afternoon to advise 
with Counsel about our Answers, at which time I will ask 
their opinion about your coming up, as likewise your Instal- 
ment and taking possession on Sunday, which Serjeant Byrche 
says can be no exception against you. We are commanded 
to bring our Statutes on Monday, and have therefore sent 
Ned Jackson down to you to bring up the Dean's Statute 
Books, that it may be in readiness if the Commissioners insist 
upon it. Pray, Sir, fail not to send us the best Evidence you 
can get of Farmer's immoralities ; for as to Law, we must 
desire to be heard by Counsel ; and, if desired, leave it 
to their Lordships' own consideration : but what we allege 
from our Oaths and Statutes, we must be able to defend. A 
modest resolution, (to use my Lord of Winton's expression,) 
to maintain our rights, and justify what we have done, is, I 
think, our province : the success we must leave to God 
Almighty. 



344 



THE LIFE OF 



Sir, some of us will not fail to write constantly to you, 
and we shall be glad to receive your commands and directions. 
I heartily wish you health and prosperity, and am, Sir, with 
all sincerity, 

Your Most Affectionate Servant, 

CHARLES ALD WORTH. 

LETTER II. 

Pall Mail, July 1st, 87- 

Sir, 

I believe you are as impatient to hear of 
the success of this day, as we were to see it over. Their 
Lordships put on a calmness above our expectation; and 
though we could not depend on their favour, yet they gave 
us no great assurances of their future displeasure. Mr. 
Farmer was first called in to give his answer, which was 
drawn up in tacked Schedules like his last Will and Testa- 
ment ; afterwards, it was enquired whether there were any 
to appear in behalf of the College ; upon which, Dr. Smith 
and myself, in decent formality, came in, and the Chancellor 
began to this effect, u That it had been already made 
evident, that we had disobeyed the King, in refusing his 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



345 



Letters in behalf of Mr. A. F., and to make good the Plea, 
we had urged several certificates against the behaviour of 
Mr. F., but Reputation was a very tender Plea, and ought to 
be touched with caution ; and it was expected that, as Mr. F. 
was to give his Answer to his character, so we must give a 
very good confirmation of what was already alleged ; and 
to satisfy all people, his Answer should be made as public as 
his Impeachment." Upon which Mr. Bridgeman was ordered 
to read his Reply ; in which he first, in general, told their 
Lordships " that the character was false, scandalous, and 
malicious, and designed not only to deprive him of his 
Majesty's present favour, but eternally to exclude him from 
his future : that first it was true he made some acknowledg- 
ment at Cambridge for a small crime, which was only 
violently crowding into a Dancing-school, an ordinary 
thing there ; and upon complaint, he made a Submission 
for quietness' sake ; but they gave him their hene-decessit" 
(I think their Testimonials for Deacons' orders ;) "that he 
was no Usher to an unlicensed fanatic Schoolmaster; but 
upon the sickness of the Master, who I think he said was a 
kinsman, he did officiate for him for a small time ; that at 
Magdalen-Hall, Mr. Ryland and Mr. Randolp envied and 
maligned him, fearing he should get the Pupils of the Hall 
from them; and that Mr. Fayrer, being sensible of their 
scurvy behaviour to him, invited him into the College ; that 



346 



THE LIFE OF 



he was as willing to go as they desired, and yet Mr. Principal 
gave him likewise his bene-decessit ; that the story of Mr. 
Bainbridge was only hear-say, and consequently no proof, 
and besides, a vile scandal ; that when his Mandate came, he 
was not at Abington, nor after; that Mr. Vinp said he knew 
nothing of him at the Election, and that all these Libels were 
amassed together after the Election." In short, it was as 
bold a denial as ever was heard of the whole matter. I 
can't recount the particulars ; every one was so peremptory 
a denial, that I almost lost one, while I admired the impu- 
dence of the former. My Lord, as well as a Barrister, 
talked upon the whole, and said that his Reply was full ; and 
therefore, because their Lordships would have a fair Hearing 
and Righteous Decrees, we must make what we had alleged 
good. It was all we could wish, and Dr. Smith told his 
Lordship, that we were there to attend, and desired, if his 
Lordship would put it upon that issue, that we might have 
time allowed and the authority, and we would subpoena the 
Evidences. His Lordship said that all proofs were secundum 
allegata et probata^ and that the fairest way would be face 
to face on both sides, for Mr. Farmer had Certificates and 
witnesses ready ; but my Lord said that was no Proof. Dr. 
Brice desired, because of the distance and expense of bringing 
up witnesses, they might be examined upon Commission ; 



BISHOP HOUGH. 34? 

but their Lordships will have all before them, and ordered 
this day (L e. Friday) month for their Appearance. It is 
hoped that care will be taken to maintain the Witnesses, and 
secure them from subornation. There was nothing said 
in relation to Atterbury. I could wish I had begun on larger 
paper, for I must here break off, having no more room left 
than to assure you of the services of all, and of your most 
dutiful 

T. LUDFORD. 



LETTER III. 

Amsterdam, August 24th N. S. 

My Lord, 

I have a long time denied myself the honour 
of writing to your Lordship, because I would not presume 
to trouble you with any of my private disappointments, and 
at the same time did not think it proper to give you a detail 
of a Voyage that I hope to present your Lordship with a 
general relation of, at my return to England. To finish the 
misfortunes that I have met with during mv Travels, I have, 

Y Y 2 



* 



348 THE LIFE OF 

since my coming into Holland, received the news of my 
Father's death, which is indeed the most melancholy news 
that I ever yet received. What makes it the more so is, 
that I am informed he was so unhappy as to do some things, 
a little before he died, which were not agreeable to your 
Lordship. I have seen too many instances of your Lordship's 
great humanity to doubt, that you will forgive any thing, which 
might seem disobliging, in one that had his spirits very much 
broken by age, sickness, and afflictions. But at the same 
time I hope that the information I have received on this 
subject is not well-grounded, because in a Letter, not long 
before his death, he commanded me to preserve always a 
just sense of duty and gratitude for the Bishop of Lichfield, 
who had been so great a Benefactor to his family in general, 
and myself in particular.* This advice, though it was not 
necessary, may shew, however, the due respect he had for 
your Lordship ; as it was given at a time when men seldom 



* It seems that the Dean had objected to, and entered a Protest against, some 
measures of the Chapter, in the time of his Predecessor, Dr. W. Lloyd ; and 
perhaps the Bishop might have lately assented to the opinion of his Predecessor, 
and have differed from that of the Dean upon them ; but Mr. Addison must 
have been right in supposing that he had been misinformed, as to the Bishop, who, 
being a man of the utmost candour and liberality, could not have been offended on 
account of a mere difference of opinion in a matter of this kind. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



349 



disguise their sentiments. I must desire your Lordship to 
pardon the trouble of this Letter, which I should never have 
taken the liberty to have written, had it not been to vindicate 
one of the best of Fathers, and that to your Lordship, whom, 
of all the world, I would not have possessed with an ill 
opinion of one I am so nearly related to. If I can serve your 
Lordship in this country, I should be very proud to receive 
any of your commands, at Mr. Moor's in Amsterdam. I am 
my Lord, 

Your Lordship's 

Most dutiful, and 

Most obedient servant, 
J. ADDISON. 



350 



THE LIFE OF 



PRAYERS. 

AGAINST CONFIDENCE IN PROSPERITY. 



WITH a thankful heart, O Lord, I acknowlege thine 
infinite goodness in giving me such a portion of worldly 
good as frees me from anxious cares, and such place amongst 
my neighbours, as delivers me from contempt, in giving me 
health and a reasonable understanding, and withholding 
none of those things from me, that are looked upon as 
necessary ingredients to a comfortable life ; but I beseech 
Thee to give me grace so to receive and use them, that they 
may never become snares and temptations. Let them never 
usurp a place in my heart above their real value, nor enter 
into competition with the object of a Christian's hope ; but 
make me thoroughly sensible of their vanity, and uncertainty, 
and danger, that I may get loose to them, using them 
temperately whilst Thou art pleased to continue them, and 
being ready to part with them contentedly, when thy good 
Providence shall call me to such a resignation. AMEN. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



551 



FOR THE PUBLIC TRANQUILLITY. 

Almighty God, by whose divine Providence the affairs of 
this world and the vain imaginations and designs of men are 
overruled, guard I beseech thee this nation against all its 
professed and secret enemies. Let no violence without shake, 
nor treachery within, undermine its peace ; but do Thou 
support our religious and civil liberties against those tyrannical 
spirits that invade and would destroy them. Give the King 
wisdom to discern, and an upright heart to execute, such 
counsels as tend to the safety and interest of his people ; 
direct him in the choice of able Ministers and Magistrates, 
who may serve him faithfully and honestly, fearing Thee and 
hating covetousness ; and give to all that are under his 
government quiet and manageable tempers, with a prudent 
zeal for our most excellent Establishment in Church and 
State, that they may never be tempted to betray, or desert it. 

AMEN. 



352 THE LIFE OF 

After having gone through nearly as many documents as 
can now be procured, perhaps, respecting the private character 
and public conduct of Bishop Hough, the Editor cannot 
refrain from subjoining, however unnecessary it may appear, 
a few observations, as a testimony of his cordial admiration 
of those virtues, with which it pleased God to adorn this 
eminent Prelate. 

It has been said, that the Mezzotinto of him by Faber 
does not do justice to that cheerfulness and good-humour, 
which the Bishop enjoyed through a long life, and of which 
we may form a much better j udgment from his Letters, and 
the general Style in which they are written. Brass and 
marble, as was said by Tacitus, in his life of Agricola,* 
give but a faint resemblance of an eminent Man ; nothing 
can do this but his conversation, his manners, his princi- 
ples, and his conduct. 



* Ut vultus hominum, ita simulacra vultus imbecilla atque mortalia sunt ; 
forma mentis seterna, quam tenere et exprimere, non per alienam materiam et 
artem, sed tuis ipse moribus possis. Quicquid ex Agricola amavimus, quicquid 
mirati sumus, manet mansurumque est in aeternitate temporum, fama rerum : 
nam multos veterum velut inglorios et ignobiles oblivio obruet; Agricola, pos- 
teritati narratus et traditus, superstes erit. — Tacitus. 

The English reader is referred to Mr. Murphy's elegant Translation of this 
Author, 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



350 



The Editor has availed himself, as much as was in his 
power, of the excellence, to which the art of Engraving has 
been carried in this country, to do justice to the repre- 
sentations of Bishop Hough which still remain, that the 
Reader may form some idea of his person and countenance, 
from the Portraits which exhibit him at very different periods 
of his life, * as he may safely judge from his conduct and 
Letters, of his superior merit and virtues. 

With regard to his public character, it appears from the 
history of those times, in which he displayed the great 
energies of his mind in contending against the tyranny of a 
popish Monarch, that he was, with some other illustrious 
men, raised up as a providential instrument to oppose those 
measures, which, without a seasonable resistance, would have 
overturned the whole fabrick of our civil and ecclesiastical 

> 

Constitution. 

On this occasion, his fortitude was tempered with prudence, 
moderation, and the most dignified loyalty. It is impossible 



* The Portrait in the Frontispiece is engraved from a Painting of the Bishop 
at Lambeth Palace by Sir Godfrey Kneller in 1691, in the 40th year of his age, 
when he was Bishop of Oxford ; the other, in the latter part of the Work, is 
copied from the Mezzotinto by Faber, in 1742, when he was 91 years of age, 

Z Z 



354 



THE LIFE OF 



to review this interesting scene of his life without feeling a 
glow of affectionate remembrance for a man, who was one 
of the principal assertorsof our political and religious Liberties, 
at a critical period, and when opposition to a corrupt Court 
was replete with difficulty and danger. A remarkable 
example was here exhibited to future ages, evincing both 
the real spirit of bigotry, and at the same time shewing the 
peril of submitting to any insidious attacks on our excellent 
Constitution, or any material changes in our Protestant 
Establishments. As long as those principles in which the 
protestant Church of England is founded, are fully known 
and justly appreciated, so long will the name of Hough be 
embalmed in the heart of every friend to the Religion and 
Liberties of his Country. By the sacrifice of his temporal 
interest to the duty which he owed to his God and to his 
Country, he presents to us, in the earliest display of his public 
character, an instance of genuine Patriotism, originating from 
the conscientious sense of religious obligation, and terminating 
in a glorious victory over usurpation and violence. If Royal 
gratitude had not elevated him to a distinguished situation in 
the Church, as the reward of his meritorious services, there 
can be no doubt, but that he would have retired into privacy 
without a murmur, with the pleasing consciousness of having 
done his duty. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 355 

From a retrospect of his Episcopal character, we may 
discern in him a consistency of wise and amiable conduct, 
which rendered him respected and beloved in every exercise 
of his sacred Function. In his parliamentary duties, he 
stedfastly adhered to those principles, which he had imbibed, 
and for which he suffered before his exaltation. Unalterable 
in the love of his Country, and attached to no distinction of 
Party, he maintained a moderation towards those of opposite 
sentiments without any dereliction of his own. He was 
uniform in support of the principles, which seated King 
William on the Throne ; but was not of an ambitious, or 
aspiring nature, and took no share in the political disputes of 
the day, which, though in themselves of inferior moment, 
unfortunately at that time divided the Nation. Whenever 
the broad principles of Liberty, or of the established Religion 
were concerned, he was as warm in their support as ever ; 
but without any tincture of bigotry, or intolerance. 

Toleration, indeed, was one of his invariable principles, both 
in public and private life. In the one it was apparent from his 
conduct in Parliament, and in the other from his intercourse 
with individuals, to whom he never shewed any distinction, 
arising from the consideration of their Sect, or Party ; but 
acted towards them all on the liberal principles of christian 

zz 2 



35() 



THE LIFE OF 



Charity, and Forbearance. He partook indeed of the dread 
of Popery, which, at that time, very generally prevailed, and 
expressed himself sometimes with more than ordinary warmth 
on subjects connected with it : but allowance must be made 
for the danger, from which the Nation had been just rescued, 
and for feelings excited by the persecution, which he had 
personally experienced. 

In the secular administration of his Dioceses, his inva- 
riable benignity of manners ingratiated him with persons of 
all ranks and all denominations. His liberality and judgment 
in the application of his Revenues were equally conspicuous. 
Beside his many private Charities, he has left behind him 
several proofs of his pious Munificence in the erection, or 
improvement, of his Episcopal Houses. 

We have to regret, that as a Divine and a Writer, he was 
unwilling to obtrude himself on public notice ; partly perhaps 
from too humble a sense of his own abilities, and partly perhaps 
from his professional engagements, which precluded him from 
dedicating much of his valuable time to compositions for the 
Press : but, from the few specimens of his public Discourses, 
and from that strain of simple, unaffected elegance, which 
runs through his Letters, we may judge to what height of 



BISHOP HOUGH 



357 



excellence he might have reached, if he had aspired to the 
fame of a distinguished Writer ; for his mind was quick and 
comprehensive, his judgment was penetrating and solid, and 
his taste appears to have been exquisite. 

If we descend to his private character, we shall see the 
Benefactor, the Master, the Friend, the Husband, and, 
above all, the Christian, uniformly displayed in the discharge 
of those social virtues, which, with the mixture of human 
frailty, adorn and endear our nature. His piety was always 
cheerful, nor was the sweetness of his temper discomposed 
by those common infirmities, which are often attendant on 
old age, and a state of retirement. It pleased God to protract 
his life to a very advanced period, and to bless him with an 
extraordinary share of understanding, unimpaired even to 
the last moment of his existence. His hope of endless felicity, 
through the merits of his Saviour, became more bright and 
more confirmed, as the termination of his mortal career 
approached; and his expiring voice breathed forth the 
habitual Resignation of his Soul to the will of his Almighty 
Father and Redeemer., 

Such is the faint delineation of the Life and Character of 
Bishop Hough ; a Prelate, whose exemplary virtues entitle 



358 



The life of 



him to a high rank in the list of those who have been ho- 
noured with a British Mitre. 

If he has been excelled in some respects, by the more 
active exertions of a Seeker, a Lowth, a Porteus, and others 
in more modern times, let us, in the contemplation of all such 
eminent Characters, be thankful to God for having given to 
our Country these ornaments and supports of our National 
Establishments, with a fervent Prayer, that many sueh instru- 
ments of the Divine Goodness may be continued and per- 
petuated among us to the latest posterity, for the Glory of 
our Church, and for the defence of our civil and religious 
Liberties. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 35Q 



THE Editor having but lately met with a correct copy of 
the Visitation * of Dr. Peter Mews, Bishop of Winchester, 
at St. Mary Magdalen College, Oxon, on the 25th of October 
1088, it could not be inserted in its proper place; and 
therefore the Reader, rather than lose any public document 
respecting it, may not be displeased to see it here. 

Negotium Visitatioms j Die Jovis vicesimo quinto die men- 

Collegii Beatae Marias f . ^ , . A -r^ • • -i • 

„ , . . rT . > sis Octobris, Anno Domini milesimo 

Magdalenae in Univer- I 

sitate Oxon. j sexcentesimo octogesimo octavo, inter 

horas decimam et primam ejusdem 
diei, inCapella infra Collegium Beatae 
Mariae Magdalenae in Universitate 
Oxon, coram Reverendo admodum 
in Christo Patre ac Domino Dno 
Petro, permissione divina, Winton 
Episcopo, Visitatore vero et legitimo, 
ad inchoandam et exercendam Visita- 
tionem suam infra dictum Collegium, 
in presentia mei, 

Patricii Roberts, Notarii Publici. 



* Vide Pages 48, 49. 



360 



THE LIFE OF 



Quibus diei horis et loco, dictus reverendus Pater, in 
Capella dicti Collegii, exhibuit quasdam litems ex Mandato 
Regio sibi directas, quarum literarum tenor sequitur et est 
talis ; viz.— The superscription, 

To the Right Reverend Father in God Peter, Lord 
Bishop of Winchester, 

Whitehall, 1 1th October, 1688. 

My Lord, 

The King having declared his resolution to 
preserve the Church of England and all its Rights and 
Immunities, his Majesty, as an evidence of it, commands me 
to signify to your Lordship, his royal will and pleasure, 
that, as Visitor of St. Mary Magdalen College in Oxford, you 
settle that Society regularly and statutably. 

I am, my Lord, 

Your Lordship's most faithful, 
and most humble Servant, 



SUNDERLAND P 



BISHOP HOUGH. 301 

Quas Litems publice altaque voce legit ; tunc dictus reve- 
rendus Pater prorogavit et continuavit Visitationem suam 
(immediate scilicet post sacra Divinorum solennia peracta) in 
aulam publicam dicti Collegii, et monuit omnes et singulos, viz. 
Praesidentem, Vice-praesidentem, Socios, Scholares, Presby- 
teros in Capella ministrantes, Clericos, Servientes, omniaque 
alia ejusdem Collegii membra, ut tunc et ibidem interessent. 
Qui bus sic in aula congregatis, dictus reverendus Pater 
statutum de Visitatione dicti Collegii in praesentia dicti 
Praesidentis aliorumque Sociorum, Scholarium, &c. comparen- 
tium a me, Notario publico, publice perlegi fecit. Quo facto 
dictus D us * Episcopus mandavit libros quosdam, quos vocant 
" the Buttery Books," sibi adduci ; quibus inspectis, et quam 
plurimarum personarum nomina in illis inscribi compertus, 
contra Statuta, Ordinationes, et lauclabiles Constitutiones dicti 
Collegii ; omnium et singulorum eorum nomina cruce notari 
et penitus expungi, (virtute Regiae authoritatis, et propria 
sua potestate visitatoria) ex libris praedictis mandavit et fecit ; 
eosque omnes a dicto Collegio in perpetuum amoveri decrevit ; 
necnon omnium et singulorum dicti Collegii membrorum, 
Praesidentis scilicet, Vice-Presidentis, Sociorum, Scholarium, 
Presbyterorum, Clericorum, Serventium, et quorumcunque 
alicrum membrorum nomina, ad dictum Collegium, secundum 
Statuta, Ordinationes, et laudabiles Constitutiones pertinen- 
tium, in dictis libris, vocatis " the Puttery Books," inseri et 
inscribi jussit et fecit, ut sequitur ; viz. 

3 A 



203 THE LIFE OF 

Dr. JOHN HOUGH President. 



FELLOWS. 



Dr. Charles Aldworth, V. P. 


Mr. Francis Bagshaw 


Dr. Henry Fairfax 


Mr. John Hickes 


Dr. Alexander Pudsey 


Mr. Jasper Thompson 


Dr. John Younger 


Mr. James Fayrer 


Dr. John Smith 


Mr. Joseph Harewar 


Dr. Thomas Smith 


Mr. Thomas Bateman 


Dr. Thomas Baylie 


Mr. George Hunt 


Dr. Thomas Stafford 


Mr. William Cradock 


Mr. Charles Hawles 


Mr. John Gilman 


Mr. Robert Almont 


Mr. George Fulham. 


Mr Manwarinsr Hamond 


Mr Charles Peniston 

T -X. X • X_ ' X X \JL X X v_ U JL V XXX KJ W-' X X 


Mr. John Rogers 


Mr. Thomas Goodwin 


Mr Richard Strictland 


Mr Robert Hvde 


Mr HooDer 


Mr Edward Yerberv 


Mr Francis Smith 

.A jJL x* JL I (111 v JO KJ 111 1 HI 


Mr Robert Holt 

J.TX X • J. VVjVjI L- -X- J- w X K* 


Mr. Edward Maynard 


Mr. Robert Thornton 


Mr. Henry Dobson 


Mr. Henry Holden 


Mr James Bavlie 


Mr. Stephen Weelks 


Mr John Davis 


DEMIES. 


Mr. Thomas Holt 


Sr. Kenton 


Mr. Cripps 


Sr. Crosse 


Mr. Jenefar 


Sr. Bush 


Mr. Adams 


Sr. Gardner 


Mr. Standard 


Sr. Hanson 


Mr. Vesey 


Sr. Allen 


Mr. Goring 


Sr. Livesey. 


Mr. Brabourne 


Higgons 


Mr. Stonehouse 


Wells 


Mr. Hyde 


Maunder 


Mr. Woodward 


Baylie 



Sr. Watkins Adams 

Sr. Stacey Bagshaw 

Mr. Thomas Maunder. *. o Mr. Collins, Schoolmaster 

Mr. Henry Holyoake. f > Mr. Wright, Usher 

Mr. Thomas Browne. ( > Mr. Almont, Steward 

Mr. Francis Hazlewood. 1 % Mr. Piggott, Organist. 



* Sir, the title by which Bachelors of Arts were formerly designated. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



303 



CLERKS 



Mr. Nicholls 
Mr. Morgan 
Mr. Smith 
Sr. Lidford 



Broadhurst 

Yalden 

Wooton 

Boss 



Sr. Harris 
Sr. Bassett 
Sr. Ryley 
— — Williams 



CHORISTERS 



Price 
Bowyer 
Turner 
Shuttleworth 



Clerk 

Prince 

Inus 

Woodsworth 



Stanton 
James 
Stubbs 
Wood 



Kelby 
Painter 



Mr. Stubbs, Manciple. 

SERVANTS. 
Prince Gardner 
Dye Beasley. 



Yate 



Qaos omnes et singulos, Praesidentem scilicet, Vice-praesi- 
dentem, Socios, Scholares, Clericos in Capella servientes, 
caeterosque in Collegio praedicto ministrantes, in eodem inodo 
et forma prout superius scribuntur, dictus reverendus Pater 
sola vera et legitima membra ejusdem Collegii Beatae 
Mariae Magdalenae in Oxon, secundum Statuta, Ordinationes, 
et laudabiles Constitutiones ejusdem, ad omnem et quemcun- 
que Juris et Statutorum Fundatoris efFectum, pronunciavit 
decrevit et declaravit. Super omnibus quibus requisivit me, 
Notarium Publicum, ad conficiendum hoc publicum instru- 
mentum — Ita Testor. 

PAT. ROBERTS, N. P. 

Memorandum — His Lordship having received a letter 
from the Right Honourable the Earl of Sunderland one of 

3 A 2 



364 



THE LIFE OF BISHOP HOUGH. 



His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, by His Majesty's 
command, as folio weth, viz. 

Whitehall, 13th October, 1688. 

My Lord, 

The King commands me to signify to your 
Lordship that he thinks it reasonable, that a fortnight's time 
should be allowed to the gentlemen, now of St. Mary Mag- 
dalen College in Oxford, to remove in ; and His Majesty 
would have your Lordship give order therein accordingly in 
your Visitation. 

I am, my Lord, 

Your Lordship's most faithful, 
and most humble Servant, 
SUNDERLAND. P. 

Lord Bishop of Winchester. 

His Lordship accordingly communicated the said letter 
to the President and Fellows, who most readily and willingly 
obeyed his Majesty's commands, and allowed fifteen days' 
time to the Gentlemen mentioned in his Lordship's letter 
to remove in, together with all suitable provisions during 
their stay for so long time. 



THE end. 



INDEX. 



A 




C 




Page 


Page 


Aldworth, Dr. . 


5 


Charnock, Robert . . . 6, 43 


, Letter from, June, 1687 


342 


Conference between King James and the 


Alliances of Bishop Hough 


141 


Fellows of St. Mary Magdalen College, 


Academy of Exercise, at Oxford 


145 


Oxford, 4th September, 1687 . 16 


Aylesford, Lady . . 


186,240 


Ditto, with William Penn, at Windsor, 


■ , Lord 


335 


October, 1687 . • .22 


Andover, Lord . . 


227 


Commissioners for Ecclesiastical Causes 9, 31 


Argyle, Duke of 


239 


, their Decree . . 10 


All Soul's College, Oxford 


281 


Cartwright, Bishop of Chester . . 31 


Addison, Mr., Letter from 


347 


« , his Speech . ■ ih. 


B 




Carte, Mr. . ■ .72 




Coventry, Lady Anne, Letter to . 83 


Biography, advantages of, 


1 


Charlett, Dr., Letters to . . 142 


Bailey, Dr. Thomas . . 


. 18, 19 


Congreve, Captain . . . 


Browne, Isaac Hawkins • 


. 73, 74 


Caroline, Queen, Death and Character of, 165,325 


Byrche, John, Executor to the Bishop 


92, 101 


Coronation of George II. . 181,267 


Bass-relief on Monument 


114 


Clarke, Lady . . • 202,308 


Byrche William, Chancellor of Worcester, 161, 184 


Condolence and Consolation, Letters of, 197, 205, 


, Edward . .' 205, 271, 287 


287, 298, 301, 303, 312 


Biddulph, The. 


102 


Chapel at Whitley, in Worcestershire . 307 


, Mrs. 


157, 305 


Clerk, Mr. . . • 230 


, Simon, Esq. 


224 


Coventry, Lady . . • 310 


Bradshaw, Dr., Bishop of Bristol 


157 


Comus, Mask of 330 


Balsal Temple, Prayer for 


138 


Courtenay, Lady Frances . . 334 


Bromley, W. Esq. 


, 174 


D 


, Henry, Esq. . 


263 


Bosville, Miss 


177 


Dispensation . . • • 9 


Berkswell Hall 


222, 338 


Demies of Magdalen College, 82, 45, 47, 362 


Bowes, Mr. 


249 


Digby, Lady, Epitaph on . . 81 


Berkley, Lord . 


257 


,Lord, Letter to . . 86,279 


Bowyer, Lady . 


ib. 


, Mr. Edward . . .166 


Buckingham, Sheffield Duke cf 


317 





366 



)NDEX, 



Page 

Dutch Guards . . . 143 

Dissenters .... 148 
Dodson, Mrs. .... 171 
Dartmouth, Earls of, Henry and George 178, 209, 

229 

Doneraile, Lady . . . 179 

Denbigh Lord, (Sister of) . . 189 

Delves, Lady .... 251 



Dolben, Archbishop of York 


252 


E 




Epitaph on Dr. Hough's Monument 


105 


proposed by Dr. Freind 


10S 


Elmley Lovett . 


155 


Castle . 


339 


Effingham, Lady 


173 


"F/vtnn TC. T*!i- "Faa . T^pnhicrh^hirf 1 


254 


F 




Farmer, Anthony 


6 


Fellows deprived, Nov. 1687 


. 44,45 


Ditto restored, 25th October, 168S 


362 


Freind, Rev. Dr. 


. 93, 108 


Fisher, Sir Clement, Bart. 


186, 247 


, Sir Robert 


291 


Foley, Mr. 


188 


Lady . . 213 


306, 316 


Fiddes, Dr. 


206 


Finch, Lady Anne 


242 


France, King and Queen of 


255 


Floyer, Sir John 


282 


Fac-similes 


326, 340 


Fire, escape from 


333 


G 




Gifford, Bonaventure 


43 


Gibson, Dr. Bishop of London, Letter to 88 


Green, Valentine, Esq. 


95 


Glenorchy, Lord 


156, 200 


Guilford, Earl of, Epitaph on his Three 


Wives 


222 


George II. and Prince of Wales, difference 


between 


150, 234 


Guernsey, Lord 


240, 247 


Gough, Sir Harry 


334 



H 

Page 

Hough, John, Birth and Family . 3 

, takes Orders . . 4 

, Preferments . . 4 

■ , elected President of Mag- 
dalen College, 15th April, 16S7 . 7 

, sworn in the 16th ditto . 8 

■ , installed 17th . . 8 

, amoved by King James's 

Commissioners, 22dJune . . 10 

, interview with W. Penn, 9th Oct. 25 

, Citation and Appearance 

before the Commissioners, at Oxford, 

21st October ... 31 

, accused of Contumacy . 40 

■ , Protest against the Pro- 
ceedings .... 41 

, restored 25th Oct. 1688 . 49 

, nominated Bishop of Oxford, 

April, 1690 . . . . 53 
, ditto of Lichfield and Co- 
ventry, 1699 ... 53 

•, Conduct in this See . 58 

■ , Marriage in 1702 . 59 

, nominated to the See of Wor- 
cester, 1717 ... 59 

. , Loss of his Wife . 60 

, Conduct in See of Worcester 63, 64 

■ , Illness and Death . 90 

. , Funeral and Monument, 90, 92 

— , Will and Codicil . . 98 

, Description of Monument 110 

, Sermons, Extracts from . 116 

, Letters . . .141 

, Prayers . . . 350 

Hudson, Dr. . . • 147 

Holte, Sir Clobeny . . .175 

, Sir Lister and Lady . 229, 276 

Herbert, Lord, of Cherbury . - 177 

Hervey, Mis. . 257 

I 

James II., sends Letters Mandatory . 5 

at Christchurch ... 12 

Jenner, Baron . . • .31 





INDEX. 


307 




Page 


O. 




James 11. sends to Magdalen College . 48 




Page 


Jennens, Mrs. E. 


202, 253 


Ormond, Duke of 


4 


Mary 


227 


Duchess of 


278 


— Robert 


258, 264 


Ombersley, Worcestershire 


159 


Interest of Money, Bill for lowering . 324 


Oxford, Lady . 


164, 219 


K 




Offley, Mrs. 


167 




Osmaston, county of Derby 


192 


King's College, Cambridge 


50 


Orange, Prince and Princess of 


216 


Kent, Duchess of 


163 






Kaye, Lady, Letters to her 


170 


P. 




, Sir Lister 


215 


Parker, Bishop of Oxford 


11 


, Sir Arthur 


257 


Penn, Wm. 


. 15, 22 


Knightley, Mrs., Letters to 




Petition to James II. 


. 6, 12 


. — , Marow 


269, 279, 288, 298 


Prayer for Temple Balsall 


138 


- , John, 


. 304, 311, 338 


Plowden, Mr. 


163 


Kerr, Mrs. . . 196,200,220, 262,314 


Plymouth, Lady 


212, 282 


Keene Whitshed, Esq. 


214 


Portland, William Duke of 


218 


L 




Prussia, King of 


240 


Lee, Lady, Illness and Death 


60 


R. 




, her Will 


97 


Russell, Lady R. 


149, 251 


Lyttelton, Sir Thomas . 


159, 247 


■ Earl of Orford . . 


183 


Lymington, Lord . 


166 


Rowe, Mrs. 


272, 302 


Lewisham Lady 


. 172-8,207,222 


Reports . , 


274 


Lewis, Thomas, Esq. 


258 


Royal Recommendations 


9 


Lygon, Mr. 


332 






Ludford, T., Letter from 


344 


S. 




Letters . 


83, 85, 86 


Sunderland, Lord, 


. 8,11 


M 




Smith, Dr. John 


16 




Dr. Thomas 


. 43, 53 


Mandatory Letter to Magdalen College 5 


Shaw, Rev. Stebbing . 


96 


Mews, Dr. Bishop of Winchester, Visitor, 8 


Sermons, Extracts from 


116 


Marow, Lady 


.75, 80, 170, 245 


Scudamore, Miss 


174, 188 


, Elizabeth 


179, 192 


Savage, Mr. 


295, 339 


, Arabella 


272, 288 


Small Pox . . . 


321 


Meadowcourt, Rev. Mr. 


90 






Musgrave, Miss 


332 


T. 








Townshend, H., Letters to 


155 


N. 




Trumbull, Sir William 


142 


Nash, Rev. Dr. 


. 66, 68 


Temple, Lady 


173 


Noble, Rev. Mark 


69 


Tyrrel, Colonel 


175 


North and Guilford, Lord 


222 


Tipping, Lady 


183 


. — Lady 


230 


Tillotson, Dr. 


24 



368 



INDEX. 



V, Pa § e 

Page Will of Bishop Hough . . 98 

Visitation, 25th October, 1688 48, 359 Winchester School . . 171, 260 

Vyse, Rev. Mr. . . 151, 152 Wilmot, Mrs. . . .171 

Vernon, B., Esq. . . 213, 236 Eardley . . 231, 323, 339 

Verney, Mr. ... 284 Robert . . .232 

Whitley, Worcestershire . 213, 306 

W. Wyndham, Miss . . . 263 

Wright, Chief Justice of the King's 

Bench, 1687 . . . 31 



ENGRAVINGS. 


Page 


1. Portrait of Dr. Hough, when President of Magdalen College, 


and Bishop of 


Oxford, 1690, aet. 39 . . 


Frontispiece 


2. Ditto when Bishop of Worcester, 1742, ast. 91 


. 87 


3. Monument in Worcester Cathedral .... 


. 110 


4. Bas-relief on Monument 


. 112 


5. Sketch of Alliances ....... 


. 141 


6. Monument and Epitaph t 


. 222 


7. Fac-simile of Letter, 1737 


. 326 


8. Ditto, of Letter, 1743 


. 340 



J. Gillet, Printer, Crown-Court, Fleet-street, 
London. 



POSTSCRIPT. 



The following Charge did not reach the Editor till the preceding sheets 
were printed off ; but as it breathes the unaffected piety of the 
venerable Author, and was delivered when he was in the 81st 
year of his age, it was thought advisable to annex it here by way 
of Postscript to the Volume. See Letter XXV, to Mrs. 
Knightley, p. 290.— 

A copy of the charge* to my brethren in my last visitation, 

May, 1731. 



My Reverend Brethren, 

When we were last assembled in this place, I did not think I should 
have had this opportunity of meeting you again : for the many years 
that have passed over my head made it reasonable for me to expect 
those infirmities that usually come along with them. But the good 
Providence of God has brought us together once more, and as my 
future views in life ought now upon all accounts to be very short, I 
propose to take leave of you, not in the ordinary method of a Charge, 
there being few among you to whom I have not already expressed my 
thoughts concerning the duty incumbent upon us, and how we might, 
with God's blessing, acquit ourselves in the performance of it ; but I 



* The Editor is indebted for a transcript of this Charge to the liberality of the President and Fellows 
of Sion College, who received it from the representative of the Rev. John Lewis, at that time Minister of 
Margate, to whom it was sent by the Bishop. 

a 



370 



THE LIFE OF 



choose rather to speak to you in those words of St. Paul, at the 58th 
verse of the 15th Chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians, 
" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that your 
labour is not in vain in the Lord". — This illative particle " therefore" 
obliges us to look back, and see what the motive, or inducement was, 
that the Holy Apostle thought sufficient to enforce this warm and 
earnest exhortation : and it appears to be the Faith which he preached 
in the Death and Resurrection of the Blessed Jesus, and in the assurance, 
that we also shall rise to immortal life. Some of the Corinthians, it 
seems, denied the doctrine in plain terms : and others puzzled them- 
selves with philosophical difficulties, in which they thought the notion 
was involved. But he proves the resurrection of Christ by undeniable 
testimony, and from thence infers our own : and having cleared up 
their trifling objection, trifling to the last degree, when made to 
Omnipotence, and put them in mind of the inestimable advantage it 
gave them, viz. no less than entire victory over death and the grave, he 
concludes in the text I have mentioned ; which though sufficiently 
clear in itself, yet taking in what it refers to, we may thus paraphrase. 
4 Seeing the resurrection of our Lord is proved beyond contradiction, 
and that we lose the benefit of all that he did and suffered for us, unless 
we ourselves likewise rise from the dead, let no scruples about the 
certainty of the thing, much less about the manner in which it shall be 
brought to pass, betray you into the least doubt or distrust : for it is 
the sum total of a Christian's hope ; and therefore be firmly established 
in this faith, without suffering the downright infidelity of some, the 
sophistry of others, or the obscurity of your own conceptions, to 
undermine and weaken it. " Be stedfast, be unmoveable," for it is of 
the last importance to you. Nor let this suffice, but be indefatigable^ 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



371 



ec always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that 
your labour is not in vain in the Lord." These last words, spoken by 
way of encouragement to the good and faithful Christian in the discharge 
of his duty, and as what ought to support his spirits, and carry on his 
industry under the greatest trials he can in any case be exposed to, are 
a Msiuo-i?, a figure in rhetoric, whereby a man that speaks in very moderate 
terms expects to be understood in a sense very much above what his 
words import. As when we tell any person, that in doing this, or that, 
he shall be no loser, we would have him apprehend, he will considerably 
find his account in it. And when the Apostle says, our ic labour will 
not be in vain," he would have us think him at a loss for words sufficient 
to express the acceptance they will meet with, and leaves us in the 
expectation of a reward as great as we can possibly conceive. By 
" the work of the Lord", we may understand either that assiduity and 
unwearied diligence wherewith, every particular Christian is obliged 
to work out his own salvation by a sound faith and exemplary life, 
or else we may suppose the Apostle exhorts the Corinthians to labour 
earnestly, and exert themselves heartily, in the instruction of others : 
to use their utmost endeavours to bring all men into the way of 
righteousness, and into the knowledge of those truths, which he had 
discovered to them, and, as far as they had ability .and opportunity, 
to make them heirs of the common salvation. This was more 
especially the work of the Apostles, and of such as they ordained to 
the ministry of the word and sacraments, who were called to it by 
express commission from Christ himself, or by delegation b}' his 
authority. And how incessantly did they betake themselves to it ! 
What multitudes of converts did every day bring in ! We read with 
amazement of the wonderful progress made by the Gospel in the first 
age of its appearance, and are really dazzled with that inundation of 

a 2 



372 



THE LIFE OF 



light, which had spread itself over the whole world, as it were in a 
moment ; but, swift and irresistible as it was, and notwithstanding the 
miraculous powers that accompanied it, the Apostles not only vouch- 
safed to admit, but kindly invited, the meanest convert to help them 
in their weighty charge. St. James closes his General Epistle with 
this encouraging information : " Brethren, if any of you do err from 
the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he who converteth 
a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and 
shall hide a multitude of sins." And St. Paul, the history of whose 
toils and suiferings almost exceeds belief, than whom no man was 
better, and very few equally, qualified for the work, calls upon all his 
disciples at Corinth to join with him in it. And could we, my 
Brethren, at this day prevail with our neighbours not to think the 
preaching of the word so entirely our business as to exclude them 
from a proper part in it ; would they assist us in the careful instruc- 
tion of their children and servants, admonishing them frequently, 
encouraging their good behaviour and towardjy dispositions, and, as 
occasion required, reproving their ill conduct ; nay, would they look 
abroad, and extend their friendly advice to any whose ignorance 
betrayed, or whose passions misled him (provided always, that they 
did it with decency and prudence, and in the spirit of meekness, for 
otherwise it can have' no good effect), we should be so far from 
thinking they went beyond their line, that we should thankfully 
acknowledge the help they afforded us, allow them to be fellow- 
labourers with us within their sphere, and rejoice in the blessing they - 
would bring upon themselves. Would such of them as are in authority 
go farther yet, and, knowing themselves to be God's ministers, 
sincerely employ the power that is in their hands to the punishment 
of evil doers and the praise of them that do well, what a happy 



BISHOP HOUGH 



373 



reformation should we see in the manners of men ! How useful and 
how beautiful would society then appear ! and with how much ease 
would the doctrines we teach insinuate themselves ! This, I am 
persuaded, will come to pass : such a time will certainly be : but 
St. Paul tells the Thessalonians it was not to be expected till two 
great and remarkable events were over : first, " a falling away, 5 ' and 
then " the revelation of the man of sin." These must precede the 
universal prevalency of Christianity in the hearts and over the lives 
of men ; and God only knows how near the accomplishment of this 
prediction may be. The times and seasons are in his hand, and to us 
inscrutable. But surely of late the faith has been so openly deserted, 
and so outrageously assaulted, and all the rules of morality so 
neglected and despised, that " a falling away" was never observable 
in any former age so great as in our own. God of his mercy hasten 
what must follow, " the revelation of the man of sin," by opening 
the eyes of those who are in bondage under him, to see, and with 
abhorrence to reflect upon his blasphemous pretensions, his impious 
frauds, and diabolical delusions! and, above all, upon that notoriousmark 
of Antichrist, his unrelenting cruelty and insatiable thirst after the 
blood of the Saints, and then they will suffer no temporal considera- 
tions to keep them in subjection. Their indignation will rise against 
the infamous slavery in which they have been held, and they will no 
longer forbear to deliver themselves, and cast off his tyranny. And 
let us, my Brethren, weak as we are, and unable of ourselves to 
. " wrestle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the 
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places 
let us, I say, having truth on our side, and the God of truth to 
support us, contribute what we can to this glorious design of 
Providence, by being " stedfast, immoveable, always abounding in 



374 THE LIFE OF 

the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know, that our labour is not 
in vain in the Lord." 

On these words I intend a little to enlarge by shewing, 

I. That we must of necessity be " stedfast and unmoveable" in 
the belief of the resurrection. 

II. That we must zealously endeavour to promote this doctrine, 
and every other article of our religion, " always abounding in the 
work of the Lord :" and 

III. That in obeying the Apostle's injunctions, we most effectually 
consult our own interest, and may assure ourselves we shall not 
se labour in vain." Our pains will undoubtedly be rewarded, partly 
perhaps in this life, (though we are in a miserable state for such an 
expectation : but I say, perhaps in this life,), by letting us see some 
fruit of our labours, and reviving our spirits under them in a comfortable 
experience, that we have done some good, and have not been altogether 
without influence upon those on whom our pains have been employed. 
But if this blessing is denied us, for we cannot presume upon it, yet 
we may assure ourselves our reward will be certain and complete in 
the life to come : where labour and disappointment will be at an 
end, where fear and anxiety will have no place ; and where hope 
will terminate in the fruition of those joys that are inconceivably 
great, and which, to crown their felicity, will abide for evermore. 

1st. We must of necessity be " stedfast" in the belief of the 
Resurrection : for it is the pillar on which the fabric of our religion 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



375 



rests ; and if this foundation be not laid firm and strong, beyond a 
possibility of being sapped under ground, or shaken above by storms 
and tempests, if it is capable of being stirred, the superstructure 
must totter, and at last inevitably fall. The comfortable expectation 
of standing hereafter in the presence of God, and in the society of 
Saints and Angels ; of being elevated to the utmost perfection of our 
nature, and settled in an unchangeable state, will prove no more than 
the fanciful amusements of a warm imagination, if there be nothing 
beyond the grave ; the sincere Christian will then have been imposed 
upon, and persuaded to deny himself in this life for an empty idea 
of happiness, which he is never likely to arrive at in another. Nor 
does St. Paul dissemble the matter: he owns freely, that " if in this 
life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most 
miserable." Nay, our Lord himself has told us plainly, that his 
kingdom is so far from being of this world, that whoever will be his 
disciple must immediately take up his cross and follow him. Accord- 
ingly, the first thing a Christian does is to renounce the world, and 
all the temptations it has to offer. He engages to keep his appetites 
in subjection ; to allow them in nothing but what is just and 
reasonable, and sometimes to abridge them in their lawful demands ; 
to curb and manage them with a rough hand, if they grow unruly ; 
and if they continue to be obstinate and ungovernable, to mortify 
them without pity. He looks upon himself here as in a rugged aud 
almost impracticable road to a better country. His expectation rises 
no higher than to very moderate convenience ; and he cannot go far 
before he will find, that he must often bear disappointment even in 
that. But he travels on, with his eye steadily fixed upon the end of 
his journey, to which, if he can by any means arrive in safety, 
he despises all the hardships that incumber his passage. Nor 



376 



THE LIFE OF 



is this any transcendant act of obedience to our gracious Re- 
deemer. Every one who pretends to follow him must tread in 
this path. There is no listing under Christ's banner upon easier 
terms, and this warfare is not to be avoided but by shameful 
desertion. Now, to what purpose does any man undertake it, who is 
not animated by a future prospect? " Let us eat and drink, for 
to-morrow we die," was the saying of an epicure : ,but St. Paul speaks 
as if he knew not how to confute it but by the evidence of another 
life : take that out of sight, and the least he seems to allow is, that the 
plea of the voluptuous would be too plausible. For, as the Book of Wis- 
dom (ch. ii. 2—4.) makes him speak, if " life" be " short and tedious, and 
against death there is no remedy;" if man be " born at all adventure, and 
shall be hereafter as though he never had been ;" if " the breath of his 
nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of his heart, which 
being extinguished, his body turns into ashes, and his spirit vanishes 
into softair ;" if this be really his case, why should he not make the 
most of his present enjoyments ? Why, if the same common fate attends 
a man, should he not be allowed the same liberty that brutes have ? 
Sense is their guide, they follow as it leads, and nobody blames them. 
If Reason in man sets herself up as a superior faculty, telling us it is 
mean and below us, in many cases base and dishonourable, to give way 
to appetite, which she has a right to govern, we may listen very 
attentively, for the truth is, she speaks charmingly ; but it is shrewdly 
to be suspected, the generality will pay little obedience to one, who 
advises to restrain themselves, and shews nothing to compensate the 
self-denial.* And what can she shew, if she does not look beyond 

* " Quis virtutem amplectitur, p rami a si tollas ?" Yet is virtue its own reward, though a very short 
and imperfect one, to a rational creature, and vice a real evil to human society. " Sin is a reproach to 
my people* 8 ' 



BISHOP HOUGH 



377 



this world ? Riches and honours and pleasures are all she has to 
offer, but these she bids you be jealous of, never to entertain them 
as friends, and to use even their service very sparingly. This is 
strange. Can she imagine, that people will leave off and follow 
her, barely for the honour of being in her retinue ? Some philoso- 
phers reply roundly, yes, it is enough ; for she leads you to virtue, 
which is in itself a reward abundantly sufficient. This they say with 
uncommon assurance, and perhaps they believe themselves. Virtue 
is very amiable ; but either they did not rightly understand, or did 
injury to Reason, who never recommended virtue as the reward of 
obedience, but as the road that would infallibly lead to it. She made 
her followers sensible, and always represented to them that nothing in 
this world deserved their care ; she constantly directed their views 
beyond it, and never failed to point out to them a remote, a fixed and 
permanent state, that would be every way adequate to their noblest 
desires. Her ideas of it were not sufficiently distinct, and in 
adventuring to be particular and explain herself, she often fell into 
obscurity : but she constantly insisted on the thing ; and a future life, 
though she could not clearly discern it, was never out of her eye. 
Revelation, therefore, in great condescension, comes in here to her 
assistance, removing the clouds that darkened the object, and setting 
life and immortality in a full light ; discovering not only what Reason 
readily assented to, that the soul was immortal, but shewing, that the 
body too, the whole man, should be so. This was surprizingly new to 
Reason, who never had looked upon the body but with contempt, 
esteeming it the clog and prison of the soul, whose happiness she 
thought could no way be complete, but by ceasing to have any com- 
merce with it. But Revelation gives her to understand, that she was 
under a gross mistake, occasioned by her judging of the body according 

b 



378 



THE LIFE OF 



to its present temper and crasis : whereas, after a resurrection, it would 
be wonderfully changed and spiritualized, and made a glorious vehicle, 
every way suited to the activity of its inhabitant ; and delivered from 
all those infirmities, which were formerly impediments to the free 
exercise thereof. Many scruples and objections remained with Reason 
upon this point : but the Son of God himself came to remove them, 
and it was a labour worthy of him. He gave proof of it in his own 
person, and became the first-fruits of it to the whole race of mankind. 
Let us, therefore, be firmly rooted in the belief of this article, and 
having secured our own interest, (as no reflection afterwards can give 
pleasure to a reasonable mind equal to that of being the author of 
happiness to another,) let us, 

< 

(2.)' Be unwearied in our endeavours to propagate the faith we 
profess. Every believer is obliged to do it, as he has ability and 
opportunity. But we, my Brethren, have devoted ourselves to this 
service. We have taken it upon us as the peculiar employment of our 
lives, and with awful solemnity have engaged (humbly confiding in the 
assistance of God's Holy Spirit), always to " abound in the work of 
the Lord a glorious but a tremendous work. For how almost 
insuperable are the difficulties that attend our duty ! how pernicious 
to ourselves, if, through our fault, we miscarry in any part ! and who 
is sufficient for these things ! Great care and application are requisite 
to arrive at the knowledge of the truth, and with how much difficulty 
do we gain admission for it afterwards ! Yet we must set it forth in its 
utmost strength, and, if possible, force its way to the hearts of the 
people. Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, 
the prophet must not cease to speak : that is his proper business, 
and he must go through with it at his peril : otherwise, with 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



379 



what amazement will he stand in the presence of his Judge ! 
When he comes to give an account of the flock committed to his 
charge, what will he be able to plead in excuse of himself, if any have 
strayed and been lost by his neglect ? Will it then avail him to say, 
they were ignorant, and did not understand ; they were obstinate, 
and would not be informed ; I shewed them the way, but they would 
not follow ; I called, but they would not hear my voice ? No, if this 
was done formally, and of course as a task imposed, rather than 
a labour voluntarily and affectionately undertaken, to struggle 
against vice and infidelity, and to rescue men from perdition, he 
will be so far from being esteemed to have " abounded in the 
work of the Lord," that he will not be allowed to have wrought 
it in any measure as became him. The unrepenting sinner 
will (which is lamentable to think of,) perish : but if he . might 
have been saved by the Pastor's care, " his blood," says God, " will I 
require at thy hand." How dreadful is this sentence ! Who can hear 
it pronounced, and be free from a dreadful suspicion of falling under 
it ? Nay, who can even in his most painful and upright labours keep 
it from sounding perpetually in his ears, considering how many 
temptations and infirmities he has about him to slacken his pace and 
obstruct his good intentions ? Let us, therefore, my Brethren, be 
stedfast and unmoveable in this important article of the Resurrection. 
Let our faith rise to that exalted pitch, as to give us in a manner " the 
substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." 
The glories of a future state will then shine so bright in our eyes, 
that we shall impatiently labour to open the prospect, and bring 
every man within sight of that noble inheritance, which regeneration 
entitles him to. We shall eagerly lay hold on all opportunities of 
turning men's thoughts and affections this way, and shall need no 

b 2 



380 THE LIFE OF 

incitements to *' abound in the work of the Lord that is, to improve 
ourselves in useful knowledge, endeavouring at perfection in every 
grace, and labouring to work in others the same degree of faith and 
good life that we aspire to ourselves. This is a work peculiarly 
incumbent upon us ; and the most desirable, the most useful, and the 
most beneficial, that mortal man can apply himself to : a work not 
of human invention, nor carried on by political arts and schemes, but 
by the wisdom of God, in the redemption of mankind : a work which 
his only-begotten Son condescended to accomplish in our nature, and 
in which the Blessed Spirit constantly co-operates. Under these 
masters, St. Paul calls on his disciples to use their industry ; and, as 
the honour and advantage of being so employed is unspeakably great, 
he will have them to spare no pains. The work must be of equal dura- 
tion with their lives ; and so far is he from admitting of any relaxation^ 
or intermission, that new objects of their care must every day be 
sought out ; new methods must be tried ; their old works surveyed 
to see whether any defect has escaped them, or any impair happened 
in them ; and all means must be used to shew the warmth and 
activity of their zeal. To go into the detail of this work, to consider 
the variety of tempers we have to work upon, the different instruments 
requisite, and the many ways of applying them, would be endless, 
and is indeed unnecessary : for every honest man knows enough of 
his business to keep him in perpetual exercise ; and, whilst he is 
active with his sincerity about him, though he may not be the most 
expert, or shew extraordinary skill and dexterity, yet he will not 
fail to be accepted in his work, and will improve in his art, till he 
appear before God, " a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." 
llightly to divide the word of truth, requires no small judgment and 
ability. It is frequently called spiritual food, and where it is pro- 
miscuously offered, little will be received, and less digested. 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



381 



Experience has taught us, that nothing is more difficult than to 
find out what will agree with every palate ; which makes it our 
business to discover the capacities, the tempers, and dispositions of 
those we are to feed. Some are not averse to instruction, but ex- 
tremely ignorant how much they want it. To these we must make 
leisurely approaches, as you let in the light sparingly upon a very 
weak eye. Where truth is little understood, easy and familiar 
insinuations will best introduce it. The most obvious things will 
soonest meet with entertainment ; and the likeliest way to cure a 
man's ignorance is not to be too hasty in letting him know it. 

Our sentiments, of what nature soever they be, especially if they 
aim at reformation, and a new turn of thought and action, will gain 
very little ground without management and good address. For 
perverse inclinations are to be made pliable, and should not be roused 
to direct opposition. Accordingly, they are observed to succeed best 
in persuasion, who order the matter so as to make you fancy what 
they have to propose, is the result of your own thought. You 
then go readily into it ; whereas there is something of reluctancy in 
being guided by another man's judgment. Human nature does not 
easily digest that superiority of genius, which it implies, and several 
passions are stirred that would otherwise lie dormant. Ignorance, if 
not attended with other ill qualities, is the weakest obstacle to our 
endeavours ; for it is the only thing in man that never found an 
advocate. Every body puts it from him ; nor is there a reasonable 
creature so stupid, as not to understand that knowledge is valuable. 
They learn it by experience in the daily business of their lives, and 
are affronted if you will not allow them to be competently well-versed 
in that, which is their proper calling and employment. But why 



382 



THE LIFE OF 



then do they not more readily give ear to our instruction ? If they 
are pleased in knowing a little, why should they not be desirous to 
know more ? They are so in their way : but they are not so inquisi- 
tive after the knowledge you offer, because they do not perceive 
themselves to want it : they think they have enough already, (as their 
usual expression is) to serve their turn, and are not very solicitous 
after more. But if you can convince them, that you study their 
interest, and can put them in the way of getting something infinitely 
preferable to that, on which their present labours are employed ; if 
you can but awaken this sense in them, you shall have a very patient 
hearing ; and when their ears are open to the word, it is in a fair way 
of getting to their hearts. Some difficulties must be looked for in 
breaking up uncultivated ground. Briers and thorns may stand 
thick upon the surface, and obstruct the first impression ; but when 
you have once entered the soil, you may find it well qualified to 
receive the good seed and bear fruit to perfection. Ignorance, there- 
fore, simply considered in itself, is not a formidable adversary to the 
truth : but there are several pernicious qualities, one or other whereof 
we shall seldom fail to meet with, and it will require our utmost 
strength to grapple with them. They are many ; but I will instance 
only in three. 1st. Self-conceit. 2d. Prejudice, and 3d. Prepossession. 

The first, in the opinion of the Wise Man, was invincible. He no 
where vouchsafes his advice to it, concluding it would be thrown 
away, and gives a very good reason : for " seest thou," says he, " a 
man wise in his own conceit ? there is more hope of a fool than of 
him." Accordingly, wherever such a one comes in his way, his 
severest reproofs are sure to fall heavy, but not in a manner as if he 
expected amendment. A fool may, by proper treatment, in some 



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383 



degree become tractable. He is not absolutely incapable of being 
influenced by hopes and fears ; as far as his small knowledge and 
apprehension goes, he will obey those on whom he depends : but the 
self-conceited man is entirely unmanageable, full of sufficiency, and 
not to be wrought upon. If you disapprove his conduct, he smiles 
and pities your judgment. He is very sure he is not in the wrong, 
and therefore is incapable of being set right. He is, in short, impene- 
trable to good advice, and yet from such a temper as this we must 
not turn aside. The husbandman must scatter his seed on rocks, on 
stony ground, and even in the highways : it may be trodden under 
foot, or not take root ; but he has not been sparing either of that, or 
his pains ; and if the product does not answer, the fault is not his. 
What Solomon thought impossible, is extremely feasible to one who 
is greater and wiser than he ; who can, when he pleases, even by means 
of our endeavours (poor as they may be), make the opinionated sinner 
ashamed of his follies, and, which is more, sick of himself. 

The second ill quality, which I mentioned to stand often in our way, is 
Prejudice, sometimes against the Doctrine, sometimes against the 
Preacher, and in either case we shall not easily remove it. For if 
your reprehension be tur ,ed upon a favourite vice, or you set up a 
virtue that interferes with it, he must be a man of more than ordinary 
candour, who will hear with patience and impartiality, All, who are 
not thorough paced and hardened sinners, find out ways to reconcile 
their principles to their practice, till they come to be easy in their 
own minds, and to look upon those things as very tolerable wherein 
they indulge themselves. Let these alone, and you shall say what you 
please, without contradiction : but such and such doctrines are not to 
be digested ; they bear too hard, and do not make, as they think, 



384 



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reasonable allowances ; and if you will not forbear to insist upon them, 
you provoke their spleen. " Is there not/' says Jehosaphat, <c a 
prophet of the Lord, besides these that stand before us, of whom we 
may enquire ?" " Yes," says Ahab, " but I hate him." Why so ? 
" Because he does not prophesy good concerning me," A covetous 
man is as ready as any body to applaud the preacher upon the subject 
of frugality, if he will but leave his hearers to adjust the measures of 
it. But if he takes upon him to define the virtue, and expose the 
sordid vice it may degenerate into, he thwarts the man's inclination, 
and loses his esteem. On the other hand, a luxurious man is so far 
from being shocked, when you tell of the blessings that attend a liberal 
hand, that he fancies himself well entitled to them. He does not with 
the miser keep all to himself, but calls his neighbours and friends to 
share in his plenty . But when you come to shew in what degree and 
in what manner hospitality must be exercised to make it commend- 
able ; when you talk of limits and restrictions, of proper objects and 
justifiable ends, you spoil all, and his complacency forsakes him. 
Thus it is obvious how we might make ourselves acceptable enough 
by " prophesying only smooth things ;" but the direct contrary is our 
duty, and will be, till the world comes into a better state. Sometimes 
the instruction is ill entertained, because not delivered gracefully 
and with a becoming air. The preacher's figure, or his mien, or his 
elocution does not please ; and then the substance of what he says 
shall be little regarded. A foolish prejudice, and justly to be despised ; 
but yet we find the great St. Paul laboured under it. The Corin- 
thians could not but confess, that his Letters were weighty and power- 
ful ; the strength of his reason, and the truth of his doctrine, were 
undeniable ; but his bodily presence, it seems, was weak in their eyes, 
and the manner of expressing himself not tuneable to their ears. He 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



385 



did not appear great and awful, like one who ought to be revered ; 
he spoke very good sense, that they allowed him, but he set it off 
poorly ; and these trifling considerations, added to their vicious 
dispositions, made them bold to demur to his authority. 

The third, and of all others the most obstinate enemy we have to 
encounter, is Prepossession ; for it sticks at nothing. Where education 
and interest have settled falsehood, neither shame nor remorse can 
touch it. How imperiously and how impudently does it maintain 
the ground ! Dressed out in the most specious colours that can be 
invented, she insults the plainness and simplicity of Truth, yet (fearing 
her innate strength, and knowing she will at last prevail), she calls in 
the succours of a furious zeal, a zeal that admits of all arts, and 
refuses no means conducing to its end ; a zeal that makes use of the 
most barbarous cruelty, under the pretence of good-nature, and breaks 
faith with men for the Glory of God. An honest, well-meaning 
stranger may be apt to say, this is a heavy charge, can it possibly 
be made out ? We will allow a stranger in Christendom to doubt ; 
for human nature cannot think it easily credible. But you, my 
Brethren, who are exercised in the defence of truth, are able to convince 
him ; you who are not ignorant with what weapons she is attacked, 
and how treacherously she is assaulted. Many of you have had 
experience, and are able to testify,* that, " if the Lord himself had 
not been on our side, when men rose up against us, they" (the great 
and most insolent asserters of falsehood) " had swallowed us up 
quick, when their wrath was kindled against us." 



* See « Unbloody Sacrifice." 



886 THE LIFE OF 

May the same Almighty arm always protect us ; and may we, 
under the guidance of his Holy Spirit, go on cheerfully in our labours! 
The adversary has all the advantage against us that this world can 
give, or the Evil Spirit suggest. But, 

(3.) cc The Lord himself," we trust, " is on our side ;" in Him is 
our confidence in this life, and from Him we have a well-grounded 
hope, of receiving the recompence He has prepared for us in the 
kingdom of his Father ; a reward of such inestimable value, that He 
thought our title to it not too dearly purchased for us at the price of 
his blood. Out of that happy place frailty is excluded, and there 
perfection reigns. All our doubts and conjectures will be improved 
into science, and our capacities enlarged to a satisfactory comprehen- 
sion of the greatest mysteries. There the joys are pure and refined, 
and will transcend the imagination at its utmost stretch. There the 
face of God will always appear, and the excessive lustre not dazzle 
our faculties. There, in short, the joys are such as we can only say, 
in general, are infinite ; they shall never abate either in their relish or 
duration. To be more particular is not allowed in this state of 
imperfection. And, perhaps, the reason why the life to come is 
revealed to us only in general terms, may be, that our nature is not 
capable of receiving a more explicit information. For St. Paul, 
who was once admitted upon the confines of this region of eternity, 
could yet only tell us, in negative terms, that the delights of 
the place were such as " eye had not seen, nor ear heard, nor had it 
" entered into the heart of man to conceive a description abundantly 
sufficient to excite our curiosity, though not to inform it : and we may 
from hence make a faint guess at the excellency of those things, which 
the Saint who saw was not able to describe, since the strong impression 



BISHOP HOUGH. 



^387 



they made upon his imagination was indelible. He lived from that time 
under an impatience of returning to the possession of those joys, of 
which a glimpse had been given him, " desiring to be dissolved and to 
be with Christ." Nor could any thing less than the interest of the 
Church make him contented to abide on earth a little longer. He was 
eager to be gone ; and though our Lord had told him how great 
sufferings he must endure for his sake, he encountered them with 
pleasure. It must be a faith invincibly strong, that could animate a 
mortal man to such a degree. And our comfort is, that He, who 
inspired him with it, is able to give, and will deny it to none who 
worthily ask a proportion sufficient to conduct them to the mansions 
in his Father's house. 



FINIS, 



James Gillet, Printer, Crown-court, Fleet-street, London. 



9 



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